Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup dried green lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils and set them aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are tender.
7. If desired, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
8. Serve hot with fresh parsley for garnish.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer on low heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 200
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 12g
Fiber: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of lentils instead of green lentils.
- You can use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
- You can use any type of oil instead of olive oil.
Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier soup.
- Add chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tomato-based lentil soup.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the lentils before using them to remove any debris.
- Sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth adds extra flavor to the soup.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender to blend the soup in batches.
Storage instructions:
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in a bowl with a sprig of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Quinoa salad
- 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 longer to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the lentils before using them to remove any debris.
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Food history:
Lentil soup is a popular dish in many cultures around the world, including the Middle East, India, and Europe. It is often served as a comforting and nutritious meal.
Flavor profiles:
The lentil soup has a savory and slightly smoky flavor from the cumin and smoked paprika.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the soup as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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