Red Lentils Soup Recipe

Red lentil soup is easy to make, warm, comforting and full of rich nutrients. It helps in combating muscle weakness and debility caused in flu, diarrhea or fever and builds strength. Lentils in general are rich in protein and carbohydrates which make it a good meal supplement especially for vegans and vegetarians.

The spices in this recipe are for balancing pitta dosha.

Prep Time: 10 Mins
Total Time: 60 Mins
Serves: 4 to 6 persons

Ingredients

1 cup of split red lentils (dehusked)
5 to 6 cups of water (based on your desired thickness of soup)
2 t ghee
1 t cumin seeds
1 t mustard seeds (black)
1 pinch hing (asafoetida)
2 large cloves of garlic, chopped
5 curry leaves
1 T chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 t turmeric
A big pinch each of cumin powder, coriander powder, cinnamon powder, black pepper, all spice, clove powder
1/2 t Salt (preferably Himalayan salt)

Method

Wash the split lentils at least twice and soak for 2 hours. Drain. Overnight soaking may be required for whole or husked lentils
Add the soaked lentils with 4 cups of water in a saucepan or soup pot and bring it to a boil.
Lower the flame and let it boil for 30 mins. Stir occasionally so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
Add 1 more cup of hot boiling water and simmer until the lentils are mushy and set aside.
Heat the ghee in the pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds and wait till they splutter
Add Hing (Asafoetida)
Add curry leaves, turmeric and ground masalas, mixing quickly
Add the ghee mixture to the cooked lentils in the soup pot.
Add salt and more water (as per your required consistency)
Bring to a boil for 2 mins. Turn off the flame and cover for 5 mins before serving.
Garnish with chopped cilantro.