Sunday, September 28

Soup on Sunday: Lentil Soup with Mustard Oil and Tomato Chive Topping


I will be making this soup for the first time today. I love being in the kitchen on a Sunday afternoon and experimenting with with my favorite ingredients and wonderful spices. I especially appreciate the fact that red lentils are low in fat and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. If you make this soup, I would love to hear your feedback.

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large celery stalks, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 small carrot, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons coriander
7 large plum tomatoes, peeled (4 coarsely chopped) (3 finely chopped)
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
5 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups red lentils*

1/3 cup chopped chives
2 tablespoons mustard seeds

Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish, optional

Preparation
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add next 8 ingredients; sauté until vegetables begin to brown, about 12 minutes. Add 4 coarsely chopped tomatoes and turmeric; stir 2 minutes. Add broth and lentils; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until lentils are very tender, about 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Puree soup in batches in blender. Return to pot.

Mix 3 finely chopped tomatoes and chives in a bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add mustard seeds; cook until seeds darken and begin to pop, about 2 minutes. Pour into small bowl.

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with mustard oil and tomato-chive mixture.
Serves 6

*Available at Indian markets and some supermarkets. If unavailable, use green lentils and simmer about 30 minutes.

Editor's note: I just made this soup and it's delicious. I did add a few dashes of Tabasco and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. It is sooooooo yummy!


Recipe - Epicurious
Photo - Tia Nguyen

13 comments:

pve design said...

Thanks for the super soup recipe as well as motivating me to start running again! You really look fabulous in your photo!

ALL THE BEST said...

Thanks Patricia! Enjoy the soup!!

Toby Worthington said...

The notion of Soup on Sunday is very appealing.
In the past I've foolishly squandered that day in preparation of fairly elaborate meals, in the end not all that satisfying. Anyhow there's nothing more consoling than good soup and I cannot wait to try out this recipe!

Leciawp said...

I almost always make soup on Sundays - I can make it early in the day or get it started and then it's ready when we want it. I was planning to make an armenian lentil soup tonight, actually (with dried apricots, eggplant, green pepper, tomato - yummy) but may try yours instead. The recipe looks good! If I don't tonight, I will another time. Thanks for the recipe!

ALL THE BEST said...

TW, I especially love soup on Sunday in the fall and winter! Enjoy!!

ALL THE BEST said...

Lecia your soup sounds delicious! Maybe you can send me the recipe?

Rebecca Corvese said...

Hi Rhonda,

I love your blog and especially the fact that you have a little bit of everything. Interior design and cooking are my passions and sometimes my interior design job takes over my life.... so it's always great to be reminded to slow down and put on a pot of yummy goodness. Thanks for the recipe!

Anonymous said...

Lovely warming soup. We had it with a homemade French loaf. Oh, yummy, and very easy to put together.

Leciawp said...

I'll post the recipe when I do and send you the link.

katiedid said...

It looks delicious! you are getting me in the mood for Fall!

Unknown said...

This soup sounds divine!

Anonymous said...

My soup recipe is posted today if you're interested in another version...cheers.

Unknown said...

Ronda, we loved the soup! Thanks :)
Adrienne