Introduction
Curried Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that marries the warmth of Indian spices with the nourishment of lentils. Perfect for those seeking comfort food without sacrificing health benefits, this soup offers an easy-to-make yet deeply satisfying experience, making it ideal for cold days or as a versatile meal option to add variety to your diet.
Tips for this recipe
To enhance the flavors of Curried Lentil Soup: consider sautéing onions, carrots, and half of the garlic before adding water; use less or more curry powder depending on your taste preference. Stir in butter just before serving to achieve a richer texture and depth of flavor.
Why you will love this recipe
This Curried Lentil Soup is not only packed with protein from lentils and chickpeas, it’s also bursting with the robust taste of curry that brings warmth to your plate. The balance of spices caters to various palates, while its simplicity ensures you can whip up a batch whenever hunger calls. It promises comfort, versatility, and healthiness in one pot – truly a dish for every time and every taste bud.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, chopped, divided
2 tablespoons (or more) curry powder
1 cup French green lentils
4 1/4 cups (or more) water, divided
1 15- to 16-ounce can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Lemon wedges for garnish
Adviced equipments
– High-Sided Saucepan
– Soup Ladle
– Wooden Spoon
– Colander
– Measuring Cups (240ml, 500ml)
– Fresh Ginger Grater
– Spice Grinder (for whole spices)
– Cutting Board & Knife Set
– Slow Cooker
– Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl (3-4qt size)
– Food Processor (12 Cup Capacity)
History of the recipe
The origins of curry can be traced back to ancient India, where a variety of spices were used by royalty for their health benefits. As Indian immigrants brought these flavors across borders in search of better lives during the 19th and early 20th centuries, they adapted them into local cuisines. The inclusion of lentils in this particular Curried Lentil Soup recipe reflects a blend of traditional spice use with pantry staples that became popular in immigrant households to create comforting meals reminiscent of home for families around the globe.
Fun facts about this recipe
1. French green lentils, also known as Le Puy lentils, are a versatile and popular variety due to their distinctive shape, firmness after cooking, and rich taste that complements various dishes including soups like Curried Lentil Soup.
2. The use of butter in the final stages of cooking isn’t just for added flavor; it also helps in binding the ingredients together, giving a creamier texture to the soup without altering its health benefits significantly. This technique is an example of how traditional Indian recipes have adapted over time with new kitchen discoveries while maintaining their essence and nutritional integrity.
