Red lentil cream soup

Red lentil cream soup is a delicious and healthy choice, perfect for cool days or moments when you want to indulge in a comforting dish. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also provide numerous nutritional benefits, thanks to the richness of proteins, fibers, and vitamins that lentils contain.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 bell pepper or red pepper, diced
- 100 g smoked tenderloin, diced
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 6 cups water
- 2 egg yolks
- 100 ml milk
- 2 chicken broth cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 3 tablespoons olive oil

For croutons:
- 4-5 slices of bread (preferably whole grain)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 100 g diced bacon or smoked tenderloin, finely diced
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Preparing the lentils: Start by washing the red lentils well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities. Bring water to a boil in a large pot and add the broth cubes. When the water starts to boil, add the lentils and let them simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until soft.

2. Cooking the vegetables: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until translucent. Then add the grated carrot and diced bell pepper. Continue cooking the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly browned and the flavors have intensified.

3. Adding the tomato juice: After the vegetables are cooked, add the tomato juice and let it simmer with the vegetables for a few minutes. This will add a note of acidity and sweetness to the dish.

4. Combining the ingredients: Once the lentils are cooked, add them to the skillet along with the water they boiled in. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Seasoning: After the soup has simmered, add thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. At this point, you can decide whether to add a splash of olive oil for extra flavor.

6. Blending the soup: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until creamy. If you prefer a finer texture, you can blend it more.

7. Preparing the yolk mixture: In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the milk. Take a ladle of hot soup and gradually add it to the yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling. Then pour this mixture back into the soup, stirring well.

8. Finalizing the dish: Let the soup come to a final boil, then turn off the heat. It will now be rich and creamy, ready to serve.

Preparing the croutons
1. Delicious croutons: In a skillet, melt the butter and add the bread cubes. Fry them over high heat, stirring continuously, until they become crispy and golden. Add the diced bacon or smoked tenderloin and continue to stir for 1-2 minutes.

2. Finishing: Once the croutons are ready, you can sprinkle them with chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Serving
Serve the hot red lentil cream soup, topped with crispy croutons. They add a pleasant texture and a delicious contrast to the creaminess of the soup.

Useful tips
- Variations: You can experiment with different vegetables or spices. For example, add a pinch of chili pepper for extra heat or a splash of lemon juice for a note of freshness.
- Nutritional benefits: Red lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants. This soup is ideal for a healthy and balanced diet.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use green or yellow lentils? Yes, you can also use other types of lentils, but cooking may take longer.
- How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for later use.

Personal note
This red lentil cream soup reminds me of family moments spent gathered around the table enjoying delicious dishes. I hope it brings you the same moments of joy and warmth! The combination of flavors and textures makes this soup a true culinary indulgence.

Ideal pairings
This red lentil cream soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a slice of artisanal bread. You can also enjoy it with a glass of dry white wine or green tea for a complete and refined meal.

I encourage you to try this simple and quick recipe, which will not only enrich your meals but also bring you satisfaction in every spoonful. Enjoy your meal!