German Lentil Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the thyme, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, allspice, and bay leaves and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the vegetable broth, lentils, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the red wine vinegar and parsley.
7. Serve hot.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4-6

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 9g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Olive oil: canola oil
- Onion: shallot
- Carrots: parsnips
- Celery: fennel
- Vegetable broth: chicken broth
- Green lentils: brown lentils
- Red wine vinegar: apple cider vinegar
- Parsley: cilantro

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup diced potatoes for a heartier soup
- Add 1/2 cup diced bell peppers for a flavor boost
- Add 1/2 cup cooked diced bacon for a smoky flavor

Tips and Tricks:
- Rinse the lentils before adding them to the soup to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth for a healthier soup.
- Taste the soup before adding the red wine vinegar and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Storage Instructions:
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Garnishes:
Sour cream, fresh parsley, diced bacon, diced bell peppers

Pairings:
Serve with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Crusty bread, side salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the soup is too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth to thin it out.

Food Safety Advice:
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.

Food History:
German lentil soup is a traditional German dish that has been around for centuries. It is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for cold winter days.

Flavor Profiles:
This soup has a smoky and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the carrots and celery.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

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Region: German

Taste: Savory, Earthy, Herbal, Tangy, Aromatic