Wednesday, May 9, 2018

A Quick And Nourishing Meal With Easy Lentil Soup

By Roger Peterson


Long, slow simmering is usually a trait of luscious soups. But no so with easy lentil soup. It only takes about 35 minutes to cook the lentils. Strong aromatics give flavor that keeps a long simmering unnecessary. This soup is enjoyed in most cultures. The difference in flavor is due to the different spices, cooking liquids, and aromatics used.

Lentil soup provides nutrition beyond most things. They are low in calories, low in fats, and high in vitamins and minerals. Most nutritionists flag lentils as very high in health resources. In addition, they are perfect for vegans and those who are looking for gluten-free foods. They are high in fibers and antioxidants in vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Several important nutrients can be found in lentils. The vitamin B content is very high in them. Other important minerals, such as iron, phosphorous, and zinc are found in them. Some of these nutrients are not easily found in the normal diet. This makes lentils one of the healthiest foods.

Many claim that lentils have no flavor, but they just have such a mild flavor that they need additional ingredients for flavor. These extra flavorings give the variety of ethnic flavors that many desire. Almost any ethnic taste is possible, such as Thai, Italian, Lebanese, and Indian. American flavors with a little less spice than others are possible, as are Mexican and Ethiopian. For a strong, rich flavor using a large amount of EVOO a totally different flavor.

The soup can be made more like a stew by cooking it until somewhat dry and leaving the vegetables whole. Adding extra moisture, either as stock, water, or coconut milk and using a stick blender to pulverize the vegetables to make a creamy consistency to taste. Lentils are very versatile due to all the many things that can be done with it.

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 item that enhances the flavor of lintels, as with other foods, is the versatile tomato. Roasted tomatoes are preferable as they give a richer flavor. In many cultures tomatoes are a given for any soups or stews, but if not used carefully they can overpower lentils. Try tomatoes in varying amounts to see what pleases you, or just leave them out if that is preferable to you.

There can also be added flavor in the cooking liquid. Chicken stock, vegetable stock, and beef stock are only some of the liquids used, in addition to water. Coconut milk gives a very rich unique flavor as well. While simmering, keep a pan of hot stock or coconut milk on the burner beside so you can add ladles of liquid when it gets thick, unless you want that consistency.




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