Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh evening primrose leaves
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils and pick out any debris.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are tender.
5. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the chopped evening primrose leaves and let simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
7. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
5. Temperature:
Simmer on medium heat.
Serving size:
Makes 4-6 servings.
Nutritional information:
Per serving:
Calories: 200
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 11g
Fiber: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- If you can't find evening primrose leaves, you can substitute with spinach or kale.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier soup.
- Top with croutons or grated cheese for added texture and flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before using them.
- If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid hot liquid splashing out.
Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a bowl with a sprig of fresh evening primrose leaves on top.
Garnishes:
Top with croutons, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
Pairings:
Serve with a crusty bread or a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the lentils thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Evening primrose leaves have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, particularly for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Flavor profiles:
This soup has a savory and earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the evening primrose leaves.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a light dinner or lunch.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A