Savory Curried Lentil and Chickpea Soup
This hearty and flavorful Savory Curried Lentil and Chickpea Soup combines the nutty richness of French green lentils with a vibrant medley of spices. Drawing inspiration from a December 2010 Bon Appetit recipe, this dish features a unique twist with pureed chickpeas, adding creaminess without the calories of traditional thickening agents. The hint of lemon juice brightens the flavors, making this soup not only filling but also refreshing. Perfect for chilly days, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for an ideal lunch or dinner option. Serve garnished with fresh green onions and a side of lemon wedges for a burst of flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
carrot
1 medium (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 large (chopped, divided)
curry powder
2 tablespoons (or more to taste)
French green lentils
1 cup
water
4 1/4 cups (divided (or more))
chickpeas
1 (15-16 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon
butter
2 tablespoons
green onions
2 (thinly sliced)
lemon
1 (cut into 6 wedges)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrot, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.
2
Add half of the chopped garlic to the pot and stir until the vegetables are tender but not browned, approximately 4 minutes more.
3
Stir in 2 tablespoons of curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add the French green lentils along with 4 cups of water, sprinkling with additional salt and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and allow the lentils to simmer until they are tender, about 30 minutes.
5
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the chickpea puree. In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, lemon juice, 1/4 cup of water, the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the rest of the garlic. Blend until smooth.
6
Incorporate the chickpea puree into the lentil soup, followed by the butter. Stir well to combine and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more curry powder as desired. If the soup is too thick, add additional water, one 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
7
Optional: This soup can be made up to one day in advance. Allow it to cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat before serving.
8
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and accompany with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Curried Lentil and Chickpea Soup?
It is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines French green lentils with a unique chickpea puree and a vibrant medley of spices.
What inspired this soup recipe?
The recipe is inspired by a December 2010 dish from Bon Appetit.
How are the chickpeas prepared for this soup?
The chickpeas are drained, rinsed, and then blended into a smooth puree with lemon juice, water, olive oil, and garlic.
What makes this soup creamy?
The creaminess comes from pureed chickpeas and a small amount of butter, providing a rich texture without heavy calories.
What type of lentils are required for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for French green lentils, which provide a nutty richness.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, the soup is vegetarian-friendly, although it does contain butter.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan by replacing the butter with a plant-based substitute or extra olive oil.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of curry powder, but you can add more to taste.
How long do the lentils need to cook?
The lentils should simmer for approximately 30 minutes until they are tender.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, it can be made up to one day ahead. Allow it to cool, refrigerate, and then reheat before serving.
What vegetables are in the base of the soup?
The soup base starts with sautéed onions and carrots.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large garlic cloves, which are chopped and divided.
When is the garlic added during cooking?
Half of the garlic is sautéed with the vegetables, and the other half is blended into the chickpea puree.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between sautéing the vegetables and making the puree.
What role does lemon juice play in the recipe?
Lemon juice is added to the chickpea puree to brighten the flavors and provide a refreshing finish.
How should I serve the soup?
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and a side of lemon wedges.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
Add additional water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter, stirred in after the chickpea puree.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should adjust the salt, pepper, and curry powder to your preference at the end of cooking.
How much water is required?
You will need 4 cups for the lentil base and 1/4 cup for the chickpea puree, plus extra if needed to thin the soup.
How do I sauté the onion and carrot?
Cook them in olive oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Does the soup need to reach a boil?
Yes, after adding the lentils and water, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil before reducing to a simmer.
What size can of chickpeas is used?
One 15-16 ounce can of chickpeas is needed.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Thinly sliced green onions and fresh lemon wedges are recommended for garnishing.
Is this soup good for cold days?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and cozy meal perfect for chilly weather.
How do I know when the lentils are finished cooking?
The lentils are done when they are tender, which usually takes about 30 minutes of simmering.
What type of pot should I use?
A large, heavy pot is recommended to ensure even heat distribution.
Is the chickpea puree added before or after simmering?
The chickpea puree is incorporated into the soup after the lentils have finished simmering.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal featuring fiber-rich lentils and chickpeas.
Can I use lemon wedges while eating?
Yes, lemon wedges should be squeezed over the top of the soup right before eating for a burst of flavor.