Friday, March 30, 2012

Egyptian Red Lentil Soup- vegan and delicious



If you like split pea soup, you will love this easy red lentil soup which has the consistency of split pea but with a milder taste. This soup can be made faster than split pea, and is also very economical. There is no need to blend it, as it will become this melted consistency while cooking.

bowl of red lentil soup



Red lentils are popular in most Middle Eastern countries. Some say it dates back to Biblical times when Esau made a red lentil soup (porridge) for his father Jacob. 

These lentils are nutritious, packed with fiber and lots of phytonutrients.  We enjoy eating this thick soup over some fragrant Basmati rice and with a large salad.

You can purchase red lentils in most regular supermarkets or in an Indian, Middle Eastern, or Spanish ethnic markets.  Also, the red/orange color becomes a golden yellow while cooking.

Red lentils are low in fat, high in protein, and provide many vitamins and minerals including natural iron, making red lentils a really healthy choice for everyone.

If you are looking for something a little different, try this healthy ethnic favorite which is naturally gluten free and vegan.

This authentic recipe was actually my mother-in-laws recipe that she brought with her when she came to the US from Egypt. 

                           red lentil soup

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups red lentils, washed well 
2 large carrots , sliced thin
4 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and chopped
1 tsp cumin (or more to taste)
Himalayan salt and cracked pepper to taste
8 cups water
                                                                                                                                    
METHOD:
Cover cleaned lentils with 8 cups of water. Add garlic and bring to a boil. Simmer until lentils are soft and carrots are cooked. Add salt, pepper, and cumin  and simmer for 5 more minutes. Add 1/4 cup or more of water if soup is too thick ( soup will thicken up as it sits).




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16 comments:

  1. Great minds think alike... I like the simplicity of your version. I will have to try it.

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  2. I love lentil soup and for some reason rarely cook with red lentils. I'll have to get some so I can make this! Sounds lovely.

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  3. I love red lentil soup and made a similar one last week. Yum! Thanks for sharing with Souper Sundays. ;-)

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  4. Simple and delicious! Thanks for sharing this.

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  5. Your Red Lentil Soup sounds frugal, nutritious and delicious. The cumin would give it a lovely flavour too. Thank you for sharing it!

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  6. Great soup - simple and tasty! Red lentils are so versatile, and very nutritious. Thanks for sharing this with Sunday Night Soup Night, look forward to seeing you again soon!

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  7. What a great soup! Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday :)

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  8. This looks so good, just got to give it a try! Thank you so much for sharing this with us on Natural Mothers Network's Seasonal Celebration and best wishes for a very Happy Easter!
    Warmly, Rebecca x

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  9. This is a wonderful soup that we would really enjoy. Hope you have a fabulous Celebration Week End and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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  10. Wonderful! I make lentil chili looks like I'll be making lentil soup too. Your recipe sounds wonderful. Thank you for joining in the hop and for your bloggy friendship

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  11. Another temptation for me. :D Thanks for sharing this week on BeColorful
    pam

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  12. lovely and simple. Thanks for linking up!

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  13. Looks great! I'm a bit late this week, but want to thank you for sharing at last week's Allergy-Free Wednesdays. We hope that we'll see you again this week.

    ~Michelle, AFW Hostess

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  14. Just wanted to point out the Bible reference is wrong.

    Jacob was Esau's twin brother, not his father.

    Also, Jacob made the soup and Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of it!

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