Fresh Lentil Soup

Latvian Lentil Soup Recipe with Carrots and Green Onions

Region / culture: Latvia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Fresh Lentil Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day. This soup is packed with protein and fiber from the lentils, as well as a variety of vegetables and herbs that add flavor and depth to the dish.

History

Lentil soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, as lentils are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be easily grown and stored. This particular recipe for Fresh Lentil Soup has been adapted and refined over time to create a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

3.5 dcl of chopped onions
0.5 tsp of salt
1 tsp of safflower oil
0.75 dcl of dry white wine
3.5 dcl of julienned carrots
1 tsp of dried thyme
0.5 tsp of dried marjoram
2.5 dcl of washed, uncooked lentils
1 liter of vegetable broth
3 tbsp of miso mixed with 0.75 dcl of water
soy sauce and tamari to taste
grated carrot for garnish
chopped green onions

How to prepare

In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté onions with salt in oil until they are soft but not browned.
Add wine, carrots, thyme, and marjoram, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
Add lentils and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add stock and bring it to a boil.
Lower the heat to simmer and cook, covered, until the lentils are soft (about 30 minutes).
Before serving, remove the pot from the heat and stir in miso and, if needed, soy sauce to taste.
Garnish with grated carrots and chopped green onions.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different herbs and spices, such as cumin or coriander, to change up the flavor profile of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions until they are soft but not browned to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Adding wine to the soup adds a depth of flavor and complexity to the dish.

- Cooking the lentils until they are soft will ensure that they are tender and easy to digest.

- Garnishing the soup with grated carrots and chopped green onions adds a fresh and colorful touch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fresh Lentil Soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions before adding the other ingredients helps to develop the flavor of the soup.

- Simmering the soup on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and the lentils to cook through.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use red lentils or green lentils instead of brown lentils in this recipe.

- Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Fresh Lentil Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Fresh Lentil Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light beer. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Fresh Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten.

Summary

Fresh Lentil Soup is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy option for a comforting meal.

Summary

Fresh Lentil Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this soup is a healthy option for any occasion. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold close to my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a quaint village nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known throughout the village for her incredible cooking skills and her warm heart. She would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious meals that would fill the house with the most mouthwatering aromas.

One crisp autumn day, as the leaves were beginning to change colors and the air was filled with the scent of wood smoke, Nonna Maria invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special dish. She had just returned from a visit to the nearby market, where she had picked up some fresh ingredients, including a bag of lentils. As she poured the lentils into a colander and rinsed them under the cold water, she began to tell me about the recipe for Fresh Lentil Soup.

"This soup has been in our family for generations," Nonna Maria said, her eyes sparkling with memories of her own childhood. "It's a simple dish, but one that is filled with so much love and flavor. The key is to use the freshest ingredients and to let the flavors meld together slowly over a low flame."

Nonna Maria showed me how to chop the vegetables – carrots, celery, and onions – into small, uniform pieces. She then instructed me to heat a large pot on the stove and add a drizzle of olive oil. As the oil heated up, she tossed in the vegetables, letting them sizzle and release their sweet aroma. Next, she added the rinsed lentils, along with a few sprigs of fresh thyme and a bay leaf.

"Patience is the secret ingredient in this recipe," Nonna Maria whispered to me as she stirred the pot, the steam rising up and fogging her glasses. "Let the soup simmer slowly, allowing the lentils to soften and the flavors to meld together. This is a dish that cannot be rushed."

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with its savory scent, Nonna Maria and I sat at the table, chatting and laughing as we waited for it to be ready. She told me stories of her own childhood, of how she had learned to cook from her own grandmother, and of the many meals she had shared with her family over the years.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the soup was ready. Nonna Maria ladled it into bowls, garnishing each one with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. As we sat down to eat, the first spoonful of soup warmed me from the inside out, filling me with a sense of comfort and contentment.

The flavors of the lentils, mingling with the earthy vegetables and fragrant herbs, danced on my tongue, creating a symphony of taste that I had never experienced before. Each spoonful brought back memories of my childhood, of lazy afternoons spent in Nonna Maria's kitchen, watching her cook with love and passion.

As I finished my bowl of soup, I felt a sense of gratitude for the gift that Nonna Maria had given me – not just the recipe for Fresh Lentil Soup, but also the love and joy that went into every dish she created. It was a lesson that I would carry with me for the rest of my life, a reminder of the power of food to nourish not just the body, but also the soul.

And so, whenever I make Fresh Lentil Soup in my own kitchen, I think of Nonna Maria and the cherished memories we shared on that autumn day. I am grateful for her wisdom, her love, and her delicious recipes that continue to bring comfort and joy to those who taste them. The recipe for Fresh Lentil Soup will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the simple pleasures of good food and great company.