Red Lentil Soup with Cloves
Description
This delightful Red Lentil Soup, inspired by the renowned chef Madhur Jaffrey, is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for any time of the year. With the aromatic essence of cloves and the warmth of fresh ginger, this soup is not only easy to prepare but also brings a touch of Asian and Indian flavors to your table. Ideal for beginner cooks, it makes use of readily available ingredients, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 cups | red lentils |
| 7 cups | water |
| 1/2 tsp | ground turmeric |
| 6 whole | cloves (in bouquet garni) |
| 2 tsp | fresh ginger, grated |
| 1 | garlic clove, minced |
| 3-4 tsp | salt |
| to taste | fresh ground pepper |
| 2-3 tbsp | fresh lime juice |
| 1/2 tbsp | olive oil |
| Lime wedge | for serving |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 176.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 1.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1191.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g |
| Sugars | 0.2 g |
| Protein | 12.3 g |
Instructions
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Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the red lentils, water, ground turmeric, cloves (in a bouquet garni), grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer, partially covering the pot, and cook until the lentils are tender, which should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. For a quicker option, use a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time.
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Blend the Soup: Once the lentils are soft, remove the cloves from the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer it in batches to a standard blender for the same effect.
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Season the Soup: Taste the pureed soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, fresh ground pepper, and lime juice to your preference.
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Prepare the Croutons: In a separate pan, heat a little olive oil and sauté bread cubes until they are golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls, topping each serving with crispy bread croutons and lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
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Enjoy: Relish this comforting red lentil soup, perfect for cozy dinners or as a nourishing lunch option.
This recipe not only highlights the beautiful flavors of red lentils but also showcases the versatility of simple ingredients, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
