Fix A Great And Quick Meal With Easy Lentil Soup

By Roger Peterson


The long, slow simmering most soups and stews require to develop optimum flavor is not necessary when cooking with lentils. Easy lentil soup recipes give that same flavor with only approximately 35 minutes cooking time with lentils. Aromatics and spices give it that desired flavor, with the different spices and aromatics giving different flavors.

For excellent nutrition, you can't beat lentil soup. It is low in calories and fats and high in vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists give it top billing for health resources. It is vegan friendly and gluten-free, so many people can enjoy it. High-fiber and antioxidant rich due to vegetables, herbs and spices used in it make it an excellent, nutritious food.

Lentils are very high in several nutrients that are sought by many. They have very high amounts in the various B vitamins. They also are high in vital minerals like iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These are some of the minerals that are often hard to obtain in the normal American diet. It is evident that one of the healthiest foods might be lentils.

One of the main complaints about lentils is that they have no flavor. They are very mild and bland. This fact makes them able to be flavored with a variety of spices and aromatics to give it a unique flavor. Many different ethnic flavors can be made by what is added to them, such as Thai, Lebanese, Indian, and American. It can be made into a highly flavored dish by using a goodly amount of EVOO.

If you prefer a stew in preference to a thinner soup, it is possible to have that, too. Just let it cook a little drier and leave the vegetables in chunks. To make a thinner soup, or a creamy one, add extra stock, water, or coconut liquid and blend with a stick blender to make the mixture as creamy as you want. Lentils are so versatile that you can do many things with them.

The intense flavor of lentil soup is from the aromatics and spices used. They give a variety of flavor based on what you use. Aromatics such as celery, onions, garlic, peppers, and ginger give it a unique flavor to match any ethnicity flavor. Using EVOO, steam the vegetables slightly just until soft and the flavors are intensified. Onions should just be turning translucent. Additionally, add spices and steam then until their aroma and flavor intensify.

Another common soup vegetable that can be used is tomatoes. Roasted tomatoes are often used to give a greater flavor. Many cultures us them in making any soup, but with lentils they can sometimes sort of overpower the delicate flavor. So it is best to test using tomatoes in different amounts to see if you like them in the dish or not.

Cooking liquids can be varied and are another source of flavor. In addition to chicken, beef, and vegetable stocks, you can use coconut milk for added flavor and creaminess. To keep the soup simmering, keep a pot of the cooking liquid heating on the back of the stove for adding when the cooking liquid in the soup gets low. If you choose to let the soup thicken, then you won't need the added liquid.




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