Slovak Lentil and Milk Soup
To prepare this delicious lentil soup, we start by selecting the right lentils. It is important to choose them carefully to ensure they are of high quality. The lentils are rinsed well under a stream of cold water and then soaked. If you are using green or brown lentils, it is best to soak them overnight, while red lentils can be soaked for just a few hours. This step will help reduce the cooking time and make the lentils more digestible.
Once the lentils have been soaked, we put them to boil in a large pot filled with water. It is recommended to add some pork rind or a piece of bacon, which will add a savory flavor and a special aroma to the soup. If you prefer a lighter version, you can omit the meat or replace it with a vegetarian ingredient, such as smoked tofu.
While the lentils start to boil, we take care of the vegetables. We peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes, so they cook evenly and integrate well into the soup. We also peel the onion and chop it finely, so it dissolves into the soup and provides a creamy texture. We add the potatoes and onion to the pot with lentils, adding salt to taste, considering that the bacon may already be quite salty.
We let everything boil over medium heat until the lentils become soft and the vegetables are cooked. This process can take between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the type of lentils used. In the meantime, the delicious aroma will fill the entire kitchen, so get ready to delight your senses!
After the lentils and vegetables are cooked, we take care of thickening the soup. We mix the milk with the flour to form a smooth mixture, and then add a little paprika, which will add a splash of color and a subtle taste. We will strain this mixture through a fine sieve to avoid lumps and add it to the boiling soup. We mix everything well and let it boil for a few minutes until the soup becomes creamy.
Finally, it is time to serve the lentil soup. We will pour it into deep bowls, sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top, which will add a note of freshness. Optionally, you can add a splash of vinegar, which will balance the flavors and enhance the taste. This lentil soup, full of nutrients and flavor, is perfect for a comforting meal on cool days. Enjoy every spoonful!
Ingredients: 1 cup of lentils, 2 potatoes, 1/2 onion, 1-2 bay leaves, salt, 1 tablespoon of flour, 250 ml of milk, paprika (sweet or to taste), a piece of bacon with skin or a piece of smoked bacon of 250 g, chopped fresh parsley.
