Red lentil soup

Red Lentil Soup: Warming the Soul with Every Spoonful

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

Red lentil soup is an excellent choice for chilly days when we seek comfort and warmth in a bowl. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also packed with nutrients, offering a blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Lentils, rich in protein and fiber, combine perfectly with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices to create a delicious and comforting soup.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 medium potato
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 onion
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 1 cube of concentrated broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Juice of two lemons
- 2 bay leaves
- Tabasco sauce (optional, to taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- Pepper and salt to taste

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by rinsing the lentils well under cold running water. This helps remove impurities and dust. Let the lentils drain.

2. Chopping the Vegetables: Peel and chop the vegetables into small pieces. You can slice the onion, and cut the celery, potato, and carrot into cubes. Mince the garlic. This step is important because uniform vegetable sizes will ensure even cooking.

3. Sautéing the Onion: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This will release the onion's flavors and add depth to the soup.

4. Adding the Vegetables: Once the onion becomes translucent, add the chopped vegetables and garlic. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors and allow the vegetables to release their juices.

5. Cooking the Lentils: Add the lentils to the pot along with one and a half liters of hot water. It is important that the water is already hot to avoid interrupting the cooking process. Add the broth cube, bay leaves, and let it simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. The lentils should become soft but not overly thick.

6. Seasoning the Soup: After 20 minutes, add the lemon juice, remaining minced garlic, Tabasco sauce (if using), pepper, and salt to taste. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Finishing the Soup: Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaves. Add the cumin, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup rest for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to intensify and settle.

Serving Suggestions:

Red lentil soup is delicious served plain, but you can add a spoonful of natural yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess. Additionally, a slice of garlic toast or bread croutons can perfectly complement this dish. A fresh green salad on the side will provide a pleasant contrast and add a crunchy note.

Recipe Variations:

To diversify the recipe, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. If you like a spicier soup, you can add chili flakes during cooking. You can also substitute red lentils with green lentils, although this will require a longer cooking time.

Nutritional Benefits:

This soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins. Lentils are rich in iron and folic acid, making them ideal for a healthy diet. Additionally, garlic adds antioxidant properties, and lemon juice provides a boost of vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the soup. Cooking will take less time, so add the lentils in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

2. What can I use instead of a broth cube?
You can use homemade vegetable broth or plain water, but note that the flavor will be slightly less intense.

3. Can the lentil soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup freezes excellently. Make sure to let it cool completely before dividing it into portions and storing it in freezer containers.

4. What is the best way to store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary to thin it out.

This red lentil soup is not only a delicious meal but also an excellent way to warm your soul on cold days. I encourage you to prepare it for family and friends, and their feedback will surely bring you smiles. Enjoy your meal!