Red Lentil Soup

Red Lentil Soup Recipe from Pakistan

Region / culture: Pakistan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Red lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day. This hearty soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy option for lunch or dinner.

History

Red lentil soup has been a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Lentils have been cultivated for thousands of years and are a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes. This soup is a simple and comforting recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

3 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
12 peppercorns
4 bay leaves, crumbled
3.75 cups vegetable stock
0.5 lb (227 g) red lentils, washed
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
3 dry red chilies, seeded
salt
1 piece of ginger (0.5"), grated

How to prepare

Heat ghee (or oil) in a pan over low heat. Add onion and cook until it softens, stirring occasionally. Add peppercorns and bay leaves and cook for 5 minutes. Add stock, 1 cup of water, lentils, parsley, chilies, and salt. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. When the soup begins to boil, add ginger and continue to cook and stir for 10 minutes. Serve hot. The lentils should be soft.

Variations

Add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
Stir in a spoonful of coconut milk for a creamy texture.
Top with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Adding a piece of ginger to the soup gives it a warm and spicy flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your taste preferences - add more for a spicier soup or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

- For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve red lentil soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer while cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor.

- Substitute green or brown lentils for red lentils if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Red 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

Serve red lentil soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley or a swirl of yogurt. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Red lentil soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. Serve with a glass of white wine or a cup of hot tea for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover red lentil soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to thin out the soup.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of red lentil soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of red lentil soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of red lentil soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of red lentil soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Red lentils are a good source of iron, folate, and magnesium. They also contain high levels of fiber, which is important for digestive health.

Alergens

This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. However, it may contain allergens such as nuts or soy depending on the specific ingredients used.

Summary

Red lentil soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Red lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, this soup is a healthy option for lunch or dinner. Serve with a side of bread or salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold winter day and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, I stumbled upon a simple yet intriguing recipe for Red Lentil Soup.

I had never tried making lentil soup before, but something about the recipe sparked my curiosity. The ingredients were humble - red lentils, onions, garlic, carrots, tomatoes, and a blend of warm spices. It seemed like the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.

I decided to give it a try and gathered all the necessary ingredients. As I chopped the vegetables and sautéed them in a pot, the aroma of garlic and onions filled my kitchen. I added the red lentils and let them simmer in a mixture of vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. The soup slowly thickened and turned a beautiful shade of red.

As I took my first spoonful of the soup, I was transported back in time. The flavors were rich and comforting, like a warm hug from my grandmother. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, just as she had done when I was a little girl learning to cook in her kitchen.

My grandmother was a master in the kitchen, with a repertoire of recipes gathered from various places and people over the years. She had a knack for taking simple ingredients and turning them into delicious meals that brought our family together.

I remember watching her cook with a sense of awe and admiration. She moved around the kitchen with ease, chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and adding just the right amount of seasoning to each dish. Her hands seemed to work magic, transforming raw ingredients into mouthwatering creations.

One of my fondest memories is of her teaching me how to make her famous chicken soup. She showed me how to simmer a whole chicken with onions, carrots, and celery until the meat fell off the bones. She added a handful of herbs and let the soup cook low and slow until it was rich and flavorful.

I watched her every move, taking mental notes of her techniques and tricks. She always emphasized the importance of patience and love in cooking, believing that the key to a delicious meal was to put your heart and soul into it.

I carried this lesson with me as I grew older and ventured into the world of cooking on my own. I experimented with different recipes, learning from cookbooks, cooking shows, and even my friends and neighbors. But no matter how many new dishes I tried, my grandmother's recipes always held a special place in my heart.

So when I discovered the recipe for Red Lentil Soup in my great-grandmother's cookbook, I knew I had to make it. I followed the instructions carefully, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, just as my grandmother would have done.

As I sat at the table, savoring each spoonful of the soup, I felt a sense of connection to my past. The flavors of the red lentils, the spices, and the vegetables mingled together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and nourishing.

I knew that my grandmother would have been proud of me for mastering this recipe. I could almost imagine her smiling down at me from above, her eyes twinkling with pride. And as I finished the last drop of soup in my bowl, I made a silent promise to continue her legacy of cooking with love and passion.

For in the kitchen, as in life, the most important ingredient of all is love. And with that, I closed the old cookbook, feeling grateful for the recipes and memories that had been passed down through generations. My journey as a cook had only just begun, but I knew that I would always carry my grandmother's wisdom and spirit with me, guiding me through every dish I made.