When it’s cold outside we make soup right? So here’s my version of the traditional Turkish red lentil soup – known as “mercimek çorbası”
We are having a very cold end to spring here in Melbourne and the other night was an exceptionally cold night so we had one of the families favorite – red lentil soup. The lentil as we know it is an edible pulse and is part of the legume family.
According to the World’s Healthiest Foods (George Mateljan Foundation) Lentils are an excellent source of molybdenum and folate. They are a very good source of dietary fiber, copper, phosphorus and manganese. Additionally they contain iron, protein, vitamin B1, zinc, potassium and vitamin B6. Every 1 cup cooked serving of red lentils contains approx 40 grams of carbohydrates with 15 grams of dietary fiber. So for vegetarians and vegans lentils are packed with nutritional benefits.
So here’s my recipe if you would like to try my version of this delicious soup. If you like your soup thick and creamy you can blend it in your food processor or Vitamix however on this occasion I didn’t blend it, hence you can still see the beautiful grated carrot.
I also entered this soup into a #nabsoupsandstews competition she is holding at the moment. So if you need some more soup inspiration please go on over and check out her link at Nutsandblueberries
Ingredients:
2 liters of filtered water or homemade vegetable stock if you prefer
2 cups split red lentils (organic)
1/3 cup organic tomato paste
juice of 2 lemons
1 tsp chili flakes
1 medium carrot grated
1 small piece of fresh organic tumeric grated finely
1tsp ground organic tumeric
2 tsp paprika spice
1 tbsp salt
1/8 cup organic olive oil
Directions: Simply place all items in a large pot and bring to boil for 45 minutes until lentil and carrot is cooked and texture becomes thicker, stirring occasionally. If you prefer more or less salt please season to your palate.
This will serve 4-5 bowls – best enjoyed with your favorite crusty bread toasted. Enjoy lovely people and happy new week – it’s Monday again!
