Garlic Lentil Cream Soup

Garlic Lentil Cream Soup - A Nourishing and Comforting Delicacy

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the world of comforting flavors! Today, I will present you with a simple and delicious recipe for garlic lentil cream soup that will not only warm your soul but also provide you with a hearty portion of nutrients. This soup is perfect for cool evenings or a light lunch, but know that it can also be adapted for warmer days, being delightful even when served cold.

A bit of history
Lentil soup is an ancient dish, appreciated in various cultures for its nutritional properties and versatility. Lentils, a staple ingredient in many diets, are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals, making them ideal for a healthy diet. Combined with garlic and vegetables, the result is a soup that is not only tasty but also packed with health benefits.

Necessary ingredients
To prepare this garlic lentil cream soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 can of lentils (about 400 g, drained and well rinsed)
- 1 can of coconut milk (400 ml)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 slice of celery (about 50 g), diced
- 1 parsley root (about 100 g), diced
- 3 sprigs of lemon balm (or lemon if you don't have it on hand)
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 tablespoon of butter (can be replaced with olive oil for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)

Preparing the vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a deep pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This will give a base flavor to the soup, and the aroma will blend perfectly with the other vegetables.

Add the carrot, celery, and parsley, all diced. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is essential for enhancing the flavors and adding depth to the soup.

Adding the lentils and garlic
Once the vegetables have started to soften, it's time to add water (about 3 cups) and bring it to a boil. When the vegetables are nearly cooked (after about 10-15 minutes), add the peeled and halved garlic, the drained and rinsed lentils, and the lemon balm sprigs.

Add the salt and let everything simmer together for 15 minutes. The garlic will add a wonderful flavor, and the lemon balm will provide a fresh note, perfect for balancing the flavors.

Blend for a smooth texture
After the vegetables and lentils are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, transfer the mixture to a blender. It’s important not to fill the blender too much to avoid splattering. Blending will turn the ingredients into a velvety cream.

If you want an extremely smooth soup, you can pass the mixture through a fine sieve, but this step is optional. Personally, I prefer rustic textures that retain some of the vegetable consistency.

Finalizing the soup
Once you have achieved the desired cream soup consistency, return it to the pot over low heat. Add the coconut milk and mix well. The coconut milk not only adds exceptional creaminess but also a subtle flavor that perfectly complements the lentils and garlic.

Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.

Serving
The garlic lentil cream soup can be served either warm or cold, depending on your preferences. If you want to add extra texture, croutons are an excellent choice. These can be quickly prepared by toasting cubes of bread in a little olive oil until golden and crispy.

Another delicious option is to add some toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds on top for a crunchy contrast.

Variations and tips
- Add spices: For example, a pinch of cumin or ground coriander can bring an exotic touch to the soup.
- Vegetable variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, adding them in the last minutes of cooking.
- For a spicy taste: Add a bit of chili pepper or chili flakes for a flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits
This soup is a healthy choice, rich in protein and fiber due to the lentils. It is low in calories (about 250 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used) and offers an excellent mix of vitamins and minerals essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, the garlic lentil cream soup can be easily frozen. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
- What can I do if I don't have coconut milk? You can use cream or almond milk to achieve a similar creaminess, but with slightly different flavors.

This garlic lentil cream soup is a great choice for any occasion, whether you're preparing a quick meal during the week or want to impress guests with a simple yet refined recipe. Try it and enjoy every spoonful!