Soup du Jour

Soup du Jour Recipe from Guinea with Lentils, Chicken, and Curry

Region / culture: Guinea | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Soup du Jour is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting meal. This recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with delicious flavors that will leave you wanting more.

History

Soup du Jour has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in different cultures around the world. This particular recipe combines lentils, rice, vegetables, and spices to create a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped
2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp minced piment, or to taste
2 tbsp olive oil or other oil
0.5 cup small dry lentils, washed
6+ cups water
0.5 cup rice, well washed
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 small can tomato paste
2-3 tomatoes, cut up
2-3 small zucchini or other green vegetable
curry powder, if desired
salt and pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Sauté the onion, garlic, chili pepper, and olive oil in a large pot.
Add lentils and 3 cups of water.
Cook for about 20 minutes.
Add rice, 3 cups of water, and bouillon cubes. Cook for another 20 minutes.
Add tomato paste, tomatoes, zucchini, and more water if the soup is too thick.
Cook for approximately 10 more minutes, until the green vegetables are tender.
Season to taste.

Variations

Add in cooked chicken or tofu for an extra protein boost.
Swap out the lentils for chickpeas or beans for a different texture.
Experiment with different vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the lentils and rice thoroughly before adding them to the soup to remove any debris or impurities.

- Adjust the amount of chili pepper and curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add in any additional vegetables or protein sources to make this soup even heartier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Soup du Jour with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Soup du Jour is to simmer the ingredients slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lentils on hand, you can use any type of beans or legumes in this recipe. You can also swap out the rice for quinoa or barley for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Soup du Jour 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

Garnish each bowl of Soup du Jour with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Soup du Jour with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing and enjoyable meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Soup du Jour 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

Each serving of Soup du Jour contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Soup du Jour contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy for your day.

Fats

This soup is low in fat, with only 3 grams per serving, making it a healthy and nutritious option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

With lentils and chicken bouillon cubes as the main sources of protein, each serving of Soup du Jour contains around 10 grams of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, to support your overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken bouillon cubes, which may contain allergens such as soy or gluten. Be sure to check the ingredients list for any potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, Soup du Jour is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support your health.

Summary

Soup du Jour is a delicious and nutritious soup that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with lentils, rice, vegetables, and spices, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Soup du Jour. It was many years ago, back in the small village where I grew up. I was just a young girl at the time, but I was already fascinated by the art of cooking. My grandmother, who was known far and wide for her delicious soups, had invited me into her kitchen to watch her work her magic.

As I stood beside her, watching her chop vegetables and stir pots, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill. She moved with such grace and confidence, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that without ever measuring a thing. It was like she had a sixth sense when it came to cooking, a gift that had been passed down through generations of women in our family.

I asked her how she knew what to put in each soup, and she simply smiled and said, "It's all about using what you have and trusting your instincts. Every soup is a blank canvas, waiting for you to paint it with the flavors of the season."

That day, she was making her famous Soup du Jour, a hearty vegetable soup that changed every day depending on what ingredients she had on hand. She explained that the key to a good Soup du Jour was to use the freshest ingredients possible, and to let the flavors speak for themselves.

As she worked, she told me the story of how she had learned to make Soup du Jour. It was a recipe that had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a traveling chef who had passed through the village many years before.

The chef had taught her grandmother the basic formula for the soup – a broth made from homemade chicken stock, a variety of seasonal vegetables, and a touch of fresh herbs. But he had also encouraged her to experiment and make the soup her own, adding whatever ingredients she liked and adjusting the seasonings to suit her taste.

My grandmother had taken his advice to heart, and over the years she had perfected her own version of Soup du Jour. It was a soup that changed with the seasons, filled with the flavors of spring greens, summer squash, autumn root vegetables, and winter herbs.

As she finished the soup and ladled it into bowls, she handed me a spoon and urged me to taste it. The flavors were incredible – rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the fresh vegetables and a depth of flavor from the homemade broth. It was unlike any soup I had ever tasted before, and I knew in that moment that I wanted to learn how to make it myself.

From that day on, I spent hours in my grandmother's kitchen, watching and learning as she made her soups. I helped her chop vegetables, stir pots, and season broths, absorbing her wisdom like a sponge. And slowly but surely, I began to develop my own sense of taste and intuition when it came to cooking.

Over the years, I made my own version of Soup du Jour, adding my own twist to the recipe with each batch. Sometimes I would use different vegetables or herbs, or experiment with different types of broth. But no matter what changes I made, the soup always turned out delicious – a testament to the lessons I had learned from my grandmother.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, making Soup du Jour for my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. I have passed on the recipe and the tradition to a new generation, just as my grandmother did for me all those years ago.

And as I watch my grandchildren taste the soup and smile in delight, I know that the legacy of Soup du Jour will live on for many generations to come. It is a recipe that transcends time and borders, connecting us to our past and nourishing us in the present.

I am grateful for the gift of cooking that my grandmother gave me, and I will always cherish the memories of those days in her kitchen, learning the secrets of Soup du Jour. It is a recipe that has brought me joy, comfort, and a sense of connection to my family and my heritage. And for that, I am truly thankful.