Cream of Green Lentil Recipe from Turkey

Cream of Green Lentil

Cream of Green Lentil Recipe from Turkey
Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cream of Green Lentil
Cream of Green Lentil

Cream of Green Lentil is a hearty and nutritious soup that is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day. This creamy soup is made with green lentils, onions, rice, and a blend of spices to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

History

The origins of Cream of Green Lentil soup can be traced back to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where lentils are a staple ingredient. Lentils have been cultivated for thousands of years and are known for their high protein and fiber content. This soup has been adapted and modified over the years to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Soak green lentils overnight with 1 cup of water.
  2. Add 1 cup of water and cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes or until tender. Set aside.
  3. Sauté chopped onion in melted margarine for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in flour, mixing well.
  5. Add water, green lentils, and rice. Stir and simmer for 35–40 minutes or until rice is tender.
  6. Place into a food processor container. Process until well blended and creamy.
  7. Season with salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for a minute.
  8. Combine slightly beaten egg and milk, mixing well.
  9. Blend in soup, stirring constantly. Boil gently for 1 minute.
  10. Sprinkle with red pepper.
  11. Top with toasted bread cubes.
  12. Serve hot.

Variations

  • Add diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt for a refreshing twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the lentils overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve their texture.

- Be sure to stir the soup constantly when adding the egg and milk mixture to prevent curdling.

- Toasting the bread cubes before serving adds a crunchy texture to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cream of Green Lentil soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use a food processor to blend the soup to a creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute brown rice for white rice for a nuttier taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Cream of Green Lentil soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Cream of Green Lentil soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of yogurt for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Cream of Green Lentil soup with a glass of white wine or a cup of hot tea for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cream of Green Lentil soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cream of Green Lentil soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cream of Green Lentil soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cream of Green Lentil soup contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cream of Green Lentil soup contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cream of Green Lentil soup is a good source of iron, folate, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the bread) and eggs.

Summary

Cream of Green Lentil soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Cream of Green Lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. With its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something new to try. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded clippings, my eyes fell upon a small piece of paper tucked away in the corner. It was a handwritten note, scrawled in elegant script, with the words "Cream of Green Lentil" written at the top.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about the name intrigued me. I remembered my mother telling me stories about her own adventures in the kitchen, learning to cook from her own mother and grandmother. I felt a sudden surge of curiosity and excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions.

The recipe called for green lentils, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaves, vegetable broth, and a splash of cream. It seemed simple enough, but I could sense the potential for something truly delicious. I could almost taste the creamy, earthy flavors mingling together in a comforting bowl of soup.

I decided then and there that I had to try making this Cream of Green Lentil soup. I gathered my ingredients and set to work, chopping and sautéing, stirring and simmering. The kitchen filled with the warm, inviting aroma of herbs and vegetables, and I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I thought back to all the recipes I had collected over the years. Some had come from cookbooks, others from friends and family members. Each one held a special place in my heart, a connection to a moment in time or a memory of a shared meal.

But this recipe, this Cream of Green Lentil soup, felt different somehow. It felt like a discovery, a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed. I couldn't wait to taste the final result, to see if it lived up to my expectations.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, the soup was ready. I ladled it into a bowl and took a tentative sip. The flavors exploded on my tongue, rich and complex, with a hint of sweetness from the carrots and a subtle earthiness from the lentils. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

I sat down at the table, savoring each spoonful, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. This recipe, this Cream of Green Lentil soup, had become more than just a dish to me. It was a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that cooking could bring, of the connections we forge through food and shared meals.

And so, I added the recipe to my collection, alongside all the others that had come before it. But this one held a special place in my heart, a reminder of that hot summer day when I stumbled upon a hidden treasure in my old recipe box. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones we discover by chance, the ones that surprise and delight us in ways we never could have imagined.

Categories

| Brown Lentil Recipes | Lentil Soup Recipes | Rice Recipes | Turkish Recipes | Turkish Soups |

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