Lentil Soup With Vegetables (Lentille Bil Khodra)

Lentil Soup With Vegetables (Lentille Bil Khodra) Recipe from Algeria

Region / culture: Algeria | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lentil Soup With Vegetables (Lentille Bil Khodra)

Lentil Soup With Vegetables, also known as Lentille Bil Khodra, is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of lentils with a variety of vegetables and spices to create a delicious and satisfying soup.

History

Lentil Soup has been a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. It is a popular dish in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt, where lentils are a common ingredient in many traditional recipes. Lentils are not only delicious, but they are also a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (454 g) beef, cubed
1 small onion, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
0.5 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp ground caraway
0.25 tsp cayenne
0.25 tsp turmeric
1 large tomato, finely chopped
2 large carrots, finely chopped
1 large potato, cubed
4 stalks celery, chopped
4 sprigs parsley, chopped
3 cups water
1 lb (454 g) lentils
2 tbsp tomato paste

How to prepare

1) Heat oil in a pan and add beef, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes.
2) Add salt, pepper, cumin, caraway, cayenne, and turmeric. Cook for 5 minutes.
3) Add tomato, carrots, potato, celery, parsley, and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
4) Add lentils and tomato paste. Simmer for 1 hour.
5) Serve over rice, couscous, or with bread.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Use lamb or chicken instead of beef for a different flavor.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of sumac for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- For a richer flavor, you can use beef or chicken broth instead of water.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

- To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Lentil Soup with a side of rice, couscous, or crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of yogurt for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the beef, onion, and garlic before adding the other ingredients helps to develop the flavors of the soup.

- Simmering the soup for an hour allows the lentils to soften and the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use green or brown lentils instead of red lentils.

- Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This Lentil Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Lentil Soup in individual bowls and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a wedge of lemon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Lentil Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. A glass of red wine or a cup of mint tea would also complement the flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 400 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Lentils: 36g per serving

- Potato: 26g per serving

- Tomato: 5g per serving

- Carrots: 12g per serving

- Celery: 3g per serving

Fats

- Olive oil: 14g per serving

Proteins

- Beef: 24g per serving

- Lentils: 18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 105% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Iron: 25% DV

- Potassium: 20% DV

Alergens

Contains beef

Summary

This Lentil Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Summary

Lentil Soup With Vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this soup is a satisfying and healthy option for lunch or dinner. Enjoy the earthy flavors of lentils and vegetables in every spoonful of this hearty soup.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Lentil Soup with Vegetables (Lentille Bil Khodra). It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own mother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a handwritten recipe for Lentil Soup with Vegetables.

The recipe was simple yet intriguing, with a list of humble ingredients like lentils, carrots, celery, and onions. It reminded me of the hearty soups my grandmother used to make when I was a child, filling the house with comforting aromas and warmth. I knew I had to give it a try and recreate that nostalgic feeling in my own kitchen.

I set out to gather the ingredients, taking care to select the freshest vegetables and highest quality lentils. As I chopped and diced, the familiar rhythm of cooking washed over me, soothing my soul and reconnecting me to generations of women who had stood in their kitchens before me, preparing meals with love and care.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the air with savory scents, I couldn't help but think back to how I first learned to make lentil soup. It was many years ago, during a trip to the bustling markets of Morocco.

I had always been drawn to the vibrant colors and exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine, and I jumped at the chance to immerse myself in the local culinary traditions. As I wandered through the maze-like streets of the medina, I stumbled upon a small spice shop tucked away in a corner, its shelves lined with jars of fragrant spices and dried herbs.

The shopkeeper, a wise old woman with weathered hands and a kind smile, noticed my curiosity and beckoned me inside. She greeted me warmly, offering me a cup of sweet mint tea and sharing stories of her own family recipes passed down through generations.

I listened intently as she spoke of the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and cooking with patience and love. She showed me how to select the best lentils, how to chop vegetables with precision, and how to infuse the soup with a delicate balance of spices.

I watched as she worked her magic, transforming simple ingredients into a rich and flavorful soup that warmed my soul. The aroma of cumin and coriander filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of lentils and the sweetness of carrots and onions.

I knew then that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the wisdom and generosity of the women who had shared their knowledge with me over the years.

As I ladled the steaming soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, I felt a sense of gratitude for the connections that food can create across generations and cultures. I knew that with each spoonful of Lentil Soup with Vegetables, I was honoring the traditions of my ancestors and passing on a piece of their legacy to future generations.

And so, as I sat down to enjoy a bowl of warm, nourishing soup, I felt a deep sense of contentment and belonging. In that moment, surrounded by the comforting flavors and fragrances of the lentil soup, I knew that I was carrying on a tradition that would endure long after I was gone.