Exotic Indian Spiced Red Lentil Soup
Indulge in a bowl of our Exotic Indian Spiced Red Lentil Soup, a vibrant twist on a classic comfort dish. This recipe, inspired by the Williams Sonoma 'Soup for Supper' cookbook, features the earthy, nutty flavor of red lentils, which are enhanced by a harmonious blend of aromatic Indian spices. With a rich base of sautéed onions and a splash of fresh lemon juice, this soup is both comforting and invigorating. Ideal for cozy dinners or as a meal prep option, each spoonful will transport you to a world of exotic flavors, making it a delightful family favorite. Whether you puree for a creamy texture or leave it chunky for a hearty bite, this soup is adaptable to your preference. Enjoy topped with fresh mint or cilantro for added brightness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
red lentils
1.5 cups (picked over and rinsed)
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
yellow onion
1 large (chopped)
ground coriander
2 tablespoons (none)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (peeled and grated)
ground turmeric
0.5 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (none)
vegetable stock or chicken stock
6 cups (none)
tomatoes
1.5 cups (peeled, seeded, and diced (fresh or canned))
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (to taste)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
fresh mint or fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by carefully picking over the red lentils to remove any misshapen pieces or small stones. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and drain.
2
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sautéing until it becomes tender and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3
Stir in the ground coriander, ground cumin, grated ginger, ground turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aromatic flavors.
4
Add the rinsed lentils to the saucepan, followed by the vegetable or chicken stock in gradual increments, stirring constantly until well combined.
5
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the lentils are very soft.
6
Remove the soup from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. For a smoother texture, puree the soup in batches using a blender or food processor, or leave it chunky if preferred.
7
Return the pureed soup to the clean saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the diced tomatoes and lemon juice, cooking until everything is heated through.
8
Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh mint or cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exotic Indian Spiced Red Lentil Soup?
It is a vibrant, aromatic twist on a classic comfort dish featuring earthy red lentils and a blend of traditional Indian spices.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include red lentils, vegetable or chicken stock, yellow onion, tomatoes, and a variety of spices like coriander, cumin, and ginger.
How do I prepare the red lentils before cooking?
Carefully pick over the lentils to remove any misshapen pieces or stones, then rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
What spices give this soup its Indian flavor?
The flavor comes from a mix of ground coriander, ground cumin, grated fresh ginger, ground turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped yellow onion in melted butter for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent.
How long should the spices be cooked?
Cook the spices on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to allow them to release their aromatic flavors.
What is the recommended cooking time for the lentils?
Simmer the lentils for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they are very soft.
Can I change the texture of the soup?
Yes, you can puree the soup in a blender for a creamy texture or leave it as is for a heartier, chunky bite.
When do I add the tomatoes and lemon juice?
Stir in the diced tomatoes and lemon juice after the lentils are cooked (and pureed, if desired) and heat through.
What type of stock is best for this recipe?
You can use either vegetable stock for a vegetarian option or chicken stock for a different depth of flavor.
How much stock is required?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of vegetable or chicken stock.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use 1.5 cups of tomatoes that have been peeled, seeded, and diced; fresh or canned are both acceptable.
What is the best way to garnish this soup?
Garnish the soup with 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint or fresh cilantro for added brightness.
Is this soup spicy?
It features warm spices and a pinch of cayenne pepper, providing a mild heat that can be adjusted to preference.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup is an ideal meal prep option and the flavors often develop further after sitting.
How much red lentils are needed?
You will need 1.5 cups of red lentils for this recipe.
What type of fat is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How should the fresh ginger be prepared?
The ginger should be peeled and grated to provide 2 teaspoons of fresh flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable stock, all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the Williams Sonoma 'Soup for Supper' cookbook.
How do I season the finished soup?
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before serving.
What is the role of lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice acts as a brightener, invigorating the earthy flavors of the lentils and spices.
Can I leave the lentils whole?
Yes, you can skip the pureeing step if you prefer a chunky texture.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires one large yellow onion.
What is the consistency of red lentils after cooking?
Red lentils tend to break down and become very soft, making them perfect for thick soups.
Is this a healthy meal choice?
Yes, lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, making this a healthy and filling soup.
What heat level should I use for simmering?
Once the soup reaches a boil, lower the heat to low and partially cover the pot to simmer.
How much coriander is in the soup?
The recipe uses a generous 2 tablespoons of ground coriander.
What size saucepan is recommended?
A large saucepan is recommended to accommodate the lentils and 6 cups of stock.
How many servings does this make?
While specific serving counts aren't listed, the use of 1.5 cups of lentils and 6 cups of stock typically serves 4 to 6 people.