Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 4 cups water
- 2 bouillon cubes (vegetable or chicken)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse lentils and add them to a large pot with 4 cups of water.
2. Add bouillon cubes and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot.
5. Add diced tomatoes and dried thyme.
6. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to desired consistency (optional).
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer on low heat.
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 12g
Fiber: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Lentils can be substituted with other legumes such as chickpeas or navy beans.
- Bouillon cubes can be substituted with vegetable or chicken broth.
- Dried thyme can be substituted with other herbs such as rosemary or oregano.
Variations:
- Add chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Add cooked sausage or bacon for a meaty flavor.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for creaminess.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak lentils overnight for quicker cooking time.
- Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
- Add more water or broth if soup becomes too thick.
Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a bowl with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
Pair with a side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Suggested side dishes:
Crusty bread, side salad, grilled cheese sandwich.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If soup becomes too thick, add more water or broth.
- If soup is too thin, simmer for longer to reduce liquid.
Food safety advice:
Make sure lentils are cooked thoroughly before consuming.
Food history:
Lentil soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, dating back to ancient times.
Flavor profiles:
Hearty, savory, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish.
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Taste: Savory, Umami, Rich, Earthy, Comforting