Lentil soup, in Hungarian style

To prepare a delicious lentil soup, the first step is to choose the right lentils. They should be of good quality, without impurities. After selecting the lentils, we wash them well under a stream of cold water, then drain them. The soaking process is essential to achieve a pleasant texture. So, we put the lentils in a bowl and cover them with beer, letting them soak for an hour. The beer will not only provide a distinct flavor but also help soften the beans.

In the meantime, we prepare the vegetable soup. We clean and wash the vegetables, cutting them into cubes, not too small, to maintain a consistent texture. In a large pot, we heat a little olive oil and add the chopped vegetables. We sauté them over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they begin to soften and release their aroma. Then, we add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing to distribute the spices evenly. After a few minutes, we pour in a liter of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once the soup has reached boiling temperature, we cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat until the vegetables are fully cooked. Finally, we add the tomato juice, which will add extra flavor and a beautiful color to the dish.

During the cooking time of the vegetables, we take care of the smoked meat. In a separate pan, we brown the bacon or kaizer cut into pieces, using only a small amount of oil. We then add the cut sausage pieces and finely chopped onion, continuing to sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the sausages soften. This mix will add an unmistakable flavor to the soup.

Once the lentils have soaked, we drain them and add them to the pan, along with the beer they soaked in. We let everything simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes until the lentils become soft but not mushy. At this point, we pour in the previously prepared vegetable soup, add a bay leaf and thyme to taste. We let everything simmer together on very low heat for another 10 minutes, so the flavors meld perfectly.

A few minutes before serving, it is important to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, according to preference. Once the soup is ready, we add the chopped greens, which will bring an extra freshness. We cover the pot and let the dish sit for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to stabilize. The lentil soup is served hot, being a comforting and filling dish, perfect for cool days. Enjoy!