If you're on the hunt for a comforting and nutritious dish that will tantalize your taste buds, look no further than this delectable "Vegetariano Crema de Lenteja." Bursting with the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, this creamy lentil soup is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a bowl of warmth and satisfaction in under 30 minutes! Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's both healthy and indulgent? Dive into our recipe and discover the magic of red lentils!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of red lentils, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, salt and pepper to taste, and the juice of 1 lemon.
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This helps remove any dust or impurities from the lentils.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the rinsed red lentils and the turmeric, mixing well to coat the lentils with the oil and spices.
- Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the broth.
- After the lentils are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup or mash it with a potato masher.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir in the juice of 1 lemon for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Serve the crema de lenteja hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Middle Eastern vegetarian dish!
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse your red lentils thoroughly before cooking. This step is crucial as it removes any dust or impurities, ensuring a cleaner and tastier soup.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding the lentils enhances the overall flavor of the soup, giving it a rich, aromatic base.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of vegetable broth slightly. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more broth or water after blending.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Consider garnishing your crema de lenteja with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as cumin or coriander to personalize the flavor profile to your liking.
- Serve with a Twist: For a delightful twist, serve your soup with a side of warm pita bread or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
- Make Ahead: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 202kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
