Creamy Curried Red Lentil & Sweet Potato Delight
Indulge in a bowl of warmth with this Creamy Curried Red Lentil & Sweet Potato Delight. This hearty soup is not only a flavor sensation but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a family meal. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices bring a delightful twist to your dinner table, while being gentle enough for the little ones. This recipe is inspired by the culinary wisdom of Jeanne Lemlin's 'Vegetarian Pleasures' and is designed to bring comfort and satisfaction in every sip. Transform your mealtime with this healthy and kid-friendly option that you can easily customize to suit varying tastes. A perfect freeze-ahead meal, this soup is a staple for busy weeknights!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
red lentils
1.5 cups (rinsed)
water
4 cups (to cook lentils)
sweet potato
1 (peeled and diced)
sea salt
1/2 teaspoon
extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1 medium (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (diced)
turmeric
3 teaspoons
cumin (ground)
2 teaspoons
coriander (ground)
1.25 teaspoons
cayenne pepper (optional)
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the red lentils in a strainer under cold running water, picking through them to remove any small stones. Place the lentils in a medium-sized saucepan with the 4 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook the lentils uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim off any excess foam that forms on the surface.
3
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the sweet potato. You may choose to peel it or leave the skin on for added nutrients; then dice it into 1/2 inch cubes. Once the lentils have cooked for 20 minutes, add the sweet potatoes to the pot.
4
In a separate small skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, along with the turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent.
5
Mix the sautéed onion and spice mixture into the soup. Allow it to cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender. If the soup is too thick for your liking, feel free to add more water to achieve your desired consistency.
6
For a smoother texture that's kid-friendly, transfer the soup in batches to a blender, making sure to secure the lid tightly to avoid spills. Blend until smooth, adding a couple of ice cubes to cool down the soup if necessary. Serve warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Curried Red Lentil & Sweet Potato Delight?
It is a hearty, nutrient-packed soup featuring red lentils, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices, inspired by Jeanne Lemlin's 'Vegetarian Pleasures'.
How many lentils are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of rinsed red lentils.
Do I need to peel the sweet potato?
You can choose to peel the sweet potato or leave the skin on for added nutrients.
How long should the lentils cook before adding the sweet potatoes?
The lentils should be simmered uncovered for 20 minutes before adding the diced sweet potatoes.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be considered a vegan option as it contains no animal products.
Can I freeze this soup for later?
Yes, this soup is a perfect freeze-ahead meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Is the recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be gentle enough for children and can be blended for a smoother texture they might prefer.
What spices are used to flavor the soup?
The spice blend includes turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, and optional cayenne pepper.
How much water is needed to cook the lentils?
You will need 4 cups of water to cook the lentils.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can easily customize the consistency by adding more water until you reach your desired thickness.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the onions, garlic, and spices for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
Should the lentils be cooked with a lid on?
No, the instructions specify to cook the lentils uncovered.
What size should the sweet potato cubes be?
The sweet potato should be diced into 1/2 inch cubes.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe requires 2 diced garlic cloves.
Is it necessary to rinse the lentils?
Yes, you should rinse the red lentils in a strainer and pick through them to remove any small stones.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe suggests using 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can add 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, though it is optional.
How long does the soup cook after adding the sweet potatoes?
Once the sweet potatoes and spice mixture are added, cook for an additional 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
How much turmeric is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of turmeric.
How can I cool the soup down quickly for blending?
You can add a couple of ice cubes to the blender to help cool the soup down.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt added at the start of boiling.
What should I do with the foam that forms while boiling lentils?
You should skim off any excess foam that forms on the surface during the boiling process.
How much ground coriander is used?
The recipe uses 1.25 teaspoons of ground coriander.
Is this a good recipe for a family meal?
Absolutely, it is described as a hearty soup and a perfect choice for a family meal due to its nutrients and flavor.
Can I use a blender for this soup?
Yes, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth for a creamier texture.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 medium diced onion.
How much ground cumin is included?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What is the source of inspiration for this dish?
The recipe is inspired by Jeanne Lemlin's 'Vegetarian Pleasures'.
Is this recipe considered a chowder?
Yes, 'chowder' is one of the tags associated with this recipe.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
The sweet potatoes are ready when they are tender, which usually takes about 10 minutes of cooking in the soup.