Lentil cream soup

Lentil Cream Soup - A Warm Embrace for Chilly Days

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

On cold days, nothing compares to a warm and comforting cream soup. Lentil soup is not only an excellent choice to warm your soul, but also a rich source of nutrients, packed with proteins and fibers. This flavorful recipe is simple, quick, and will bring a smile to your face with every spoonful.

The Story of Lentil Soups

Lentils have been used for centuries, appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits. Lentil soup is part of the culinary traditions of many cultures, being a staple dish in the cold season. This soup is often associated with comfort and warmth, having the power to gather family around the table, whether it’s an ordinary day or a special occasion.

Ingredients

- 250 g red lentils (washed and drained)
- 1 orange bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 250 g canned tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sweet pepper paste
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika
- 1 parsnip (diced)
- 1 celery root (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 50 ml olive oil
- 2 liters vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

For serving:
- Lebanese bread (1 bread/serving)
- Sour cream (1 tablespoon/serving)
- Lime (1 slice/serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by washing the red lentils well under cold water, then let them drain. Chop the vegetables (bell peppers, onion, carrots, parsnip, and celery) into small cubes for even cooking.

2. Heating the Oil: In a large pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Ensure the oil is well heated before adding the vegetables.

3. Sautéing the Vegetables: Add the onion and carrots to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent. This step is essential to bring the flavors of the vegetable soups to life.

4. Adding the Peppers: After the onion and carrots have sautéed, add the red and orange bell peppers. Continue to sauté the vegetables for another 3-4 minutes.

5. Seasoning: Add salt, sweet paprika, hot paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and cumin. These spices will give your soup a deep and aromatic flavor.

6. Including the Paste: Add the sweet pepper paste, mixing well to combine the flavors. After a few minutes, add the vegetable broth, parsnip, and celery. Season with pepper to taste.

7. Boiling the Lentils: Once the soup starts boiling, add the red lentils and dried mint. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. The lentils will soften and contribute to the creaminess of the soup.

8. Finalizing the Soup: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and lime juice. Mix well and let the soup combine.

9. Blending: Once all the ingredients are well cooked, use an immersion blender to turn the soup into a smooth and creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in small batches to a regular blender.

10. Preparing the Bread: In a skillet, add a little oil and toast the Lebanese bread on both sides until golden and crispy.

Serving

Serve the warm lentil cream soup, adding a spoonful of sour cream on top and a slice of lime to enhance the flavors. For added texture, accompany with the toasted bread. This combination is not only delicious but also offers a culinary experience full of warmth and comfort.

Helpful Tips

- Vegan Option: This soup is already vegan, but you can replace the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Storage: Lentil soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later use.
- Customization: You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or potatoes, to vary the recipe. You can also experiment with other spices, such as curry or turmeric, for a different taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Lentil soup is an excellent source of plant-based proteins and fibers, helping to maintain healthy digestion. Lentils also contain B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, contributing to a balanced diet. This soup will not only warm your soul but also provide the necessary nutrients to face the chilly days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use green or brown lentils? Yes, but the cooking time will be longer for these types of lentils. Red lentils cook faster and become creamier.

2. What other spices can I add? You can try cinnamon or nutmeg for an additional aromatic note.

3. How can I make the soup spicier? Add more hot paprika or even a hot pepper sauce, depending on your preferences.

Delicious Combinations

This lentil cream soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a beet salad. You can also accompany it with a glass of dry white wine or a fragrant green tea for a complete and comforting meal.

Enjoy this simple and healthy recipe that will bring warmth and comfort to your table!

 Ingredients: Washed red lentils 250 g, Orange bell pepper 1 pc, Kapia pepper 1 pc, Onion 1 pc, Canned tomatoes 250 g, Tomato paste 1 tablespoon, Sweet pepper paste 1 tablespoon, Carrots 2 pcs, Sweet paprika Kamis 1 teaspoon, Hot paprika Kamis 1 teaspoon, Parsnip 1 pc, Celery 1 slice, Thyme Kamis 1 teaspoon, Dried mint Kamis 1 tablespoon, Cumin Kamis 1 teaspoon, Granulated garlic Kamis 1 teaspoon, Olive oil 50 ml, Vegetable broth 2 liters, Salt, Pepper to taste. For serving: Lebanese pita bread 1 pita/portion, Sour cream 1 tablespoon/portion, Lime 1 wedge/portion, Lime 1 pc.

 Tags:  lentils bell pepper onion celery thyme cream soup soup food with lentils vegetable cream soup tomatoes spices lentil recipes vegetable cream soup lentil recipes lentil soup boiled lentils lentil recipe