Green lentil soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a warm, nutritious meal. This vibrant soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a satisfying and healthy choice for the whole family. Beyond its nutritional benefits, its earthy, subtly sweet flavor profile is both delicious and surprisingly versatile; easily adaptable to your preferred spice level and featuring a creamy texture that's both satisfying and elegant. It's also incredibly budget-friendly, utilizing simple, readily available ingredients.
This recipe for green lentil soup provides a simple, step-by-step guide to achieving this culinary delight in your own kitchen. From selecting the finest lentils to mastering the perfect simmer, we'll take you through each stage, ensuring a perfectly creamy and flavorful bowl of soup every time. Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- Carrot
- Celery
- Red Onion: 1
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Ginger
- Coriander
- Ground Ginger
- Cumin
- Curry Powder
- Smoky Paprika
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Green Lentils
- Vegetable Broth
- Coconut Milk
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Cabbage (optional)
- Lemon: 1 (zest only)
- Vani (Indian spice, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- Chop carrots, celery, and one red onion thinly.
- Sauté the onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add ginger (fresh or paste), and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in coriander, ground ginger, cumin, curry powder, smoky paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 2. Simmer Lentils with Broth
- Add green lentils.
- Add most of the coconut milk (reserve some for later).
- Add vegetable broth, and a bay leaf.
- Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes with the lid on.
- Remove the lid and simmer for another 15-20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3. Add Greens and Coconut Milk
- Add chopped cabbage (or spinach/kale, or omit).
- Add remaining coconut milk, lemon zest, and additional spices to taste.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Simmer for a few more minutes until heated through.
Read more: Easy Beef Stew Recipe: Delicious & Simple Indian-Spiced Stew
Tips
- This soup is great for aiding digestion and reducing bloating.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference.
- Green lentils hold their shape well, resulting in a hearty texture.
- Add salt liberally, to taste.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?
While green lentils are best for their creamy texture, you can experiment with brown or red lentils. Keep in mind that brown lentils will hold their shape more, resulting in a less creamy soup. Red lentils will cook down faster and create a smoother consistency.
2. How can I make this Dahl even creamier?
For extra creaminess, you can blend a portion of the cooked Dahl with an immersion blender before serving, or add a dollop of coconut milk or plain yogurt at the end.
This creamy green lentil dahl is more than just a delicious meal; it's a nutritional powerhouse that supports your digestive health. Enjoy its comforting warmth and satisfying texture knowing you're nourishing your body with fiber and essential nutrients. So go ahead, savor every spoonful of this flavorful and beneficial dish!