A lentil soup is a soup that mostly consists of lentils. It can be made vegetarian or with meat; the lentils can be brown, red, yellow, green, or black, husked or not. Cooking dehulled red and yellow lentils causes them to break down and create a thick soup. It is a staple food in the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
The Palaeolithic and Mesolithic levels of Francethi Cave in Greece (13,000–9,500 years ago), the end-Mesolithic at Mureybet and Tell Abu Hureyra in Syria, and the 8000 BC sites near Jericho are all places where lentils have been found.
According to the International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, lentil broth is packed with protein, fibre, antioxidants, and immune-stimulating ingredients. It supports heart health, improves digestion, controls blood sugar, and increases feelings of fullness. These dishes are also low in fat and free of cholesterol. It is perfect for managing weight, enhancing immunity during cold and flu season, and improving general health.
In addition to being a main ingredient in classic dal, lentils can be found cooked with meat and veggies for filling one-pot dinners, mixed with salad greens, fruit, and herbs, and used as the base for an endless variety of soups. With possibly the most popular legume on the planet, these recipes will transport you worldwide.
Types Of Lentil Soup Around The World
Moroccan Egg Drop Harira
Moroccans love harira, a nutrient-dense soup typically offered as a fast-breaking meal during Ramadan. This variation has chickpeas and lentils, and it's finished with beaten eggs that become tiny, whispy flecks of egg in the silky soup. Try this soup if you want to try something delicious.
Brown Lentil Soup
Brown lentil soup is a staple in the Middle East and Indian culinary traditions. You will adore this recipe's hearty, cosy flavours. Brown lentils, rice, and water are first brought to a boil. Stock or water and bouillon are then added. Toast the onions, cumin, and a blend of seven spices in olive oil in a separate skillet until aromatic. When the lentils are mushy and well-blended, add this mixture to the pot and cook. Garnish with toasted pita chips and serve with fresh lemon juice.
Green Lentil Soup
Green lentils add a bright, peppery flavour to any bowl, so this recipe is the ideal way to combine them. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the onions are transparent in a pan of boiling oil. Bring the mixture to a boil after adding the lentils and broth. Add the salt, cumin, and a little pinch of allspice once the vegetables have cooked and the lentils have puffed up. Use an immersion blender after cooking for thirty to forty minutes. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
Red and Yellow Lentil Soup
Red and yellow lentils work well in a blended, creamy soup. These vibrant beans simmer down to a texture akin to a fluffy potato. If you enjoy Indian Daal, you know the advantages of red and yellow lentils in this recipe. The ideal way to honour the creamy texture of red lentils is to make this Middle Eastern Lentil Soup.
Herb Crostini Lentil Soup
Bread and lentil soup Although crostini is a timeless classic, handmade crostini with fresh herbs tastes much better. All you have to do is chop some stale bread and brown it in a pan with chopped parsley, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. Garlic can be added to the pan if desired.
Vegan Lentil Soup
Turn the lentil soup into a meatless meat sauce by adding meat. Make lentil soup as you would any other. Add some tomato paste while cooking, then decrease until it becomes a spaghetti sauce. It is recommended to serve it with whole-wheat semolina or durum wheat pasta.
Pasta Lentil Soup
Make the traditional lentil soup, but use more water. Add some broken spaghetti or other types of broken pasta towards the end of the cooking process and continue cooking as directed on the pasta package (about 8 to 10 minutes). Spoon into bowls; sprinkle grated Parmigiano on top for a kid-friendly presentation.
Making lentil soup is inexpensive and highly flavourful. Whether they call for tomatoes or bacon, these filling lentil soup recipes are the epitome of comfort food.