Bulgarian Lentil Soup Recipes

LESHTA CHORBA BULGARIAN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• On the stove top in a large soup pan, heat the broth or water on medium high till almost boiling.
• Meanwhile, chop the carrots, onion, and garlic.
• Add all ingredients to the pot. Salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over low heat till the lentils are done 35-45 minutes.
• It's important to note that you don't want this dish to boil, but just simmer under the boiling point. The lower and slower you can cook the soup the better it will be. However, if you don't have time for low and slow, this hour version will also be great.

BULGARIAN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Place lentils in a pot with ample water, a dash of oil and boil.
• Chop carrots and onions and place in the pot.
• Chop tomatoes and capsicum and place in the pot approx 15 min after you put the carrots.
• Add spices and peeled garlic cloves except fenugreek and garden herbs.
• Let cook slowly until the lentils are cooked.
• Sprinkle garden herbs and fenugreek, turn off burner and cover with a lid.
• Salt to taste.
• Serve with sour cream/yoghurt.
• Optional:.
• You can also chillify it a bit either by adding green chillies or a tsp of chilli powder.
• For a thicker consistency you can dissolve a tbsp of flour with the soup in a bowl and slowly add 5 min before cooking is finished.

HUNGARIAN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Make croutons: melt butter with olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add bread cubes and stir gently until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set side.
• Melt 1 T. butter in heavy Dutch oven over mediium heat. Add ham and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 6 cups stock, lentils, chili, and savory. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender but firm to bire, stirring occasionall, about 30 minutes.
• Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots and bell pepper. Stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes. Stir mixture into soup. Add enough stock to cover.
• Wipe out skillet. Add 3 T. butter and melt over medium-low heat. Add flour and stir until light, about 6 minutes. Whisk in 2 cups stock. Bring to boil, whisking constantly. Add to soup. Stir in the tomato puree and 3 T. vinegar. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Thin soup to desired consistency with stock. Season with remaining 1 T. vinegar, salt and generous amount of pepper. Discard chili. Garnish soup with Sauteed Croutons and serve.

HUNGARIAN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• In a large stockpot, saute the onions in oil until they are glossy. Stir in garlic, paprika, celery, carrots, and saute for 10 minutes.
• Once the vegetables have sauteed for 10 minutes stir in tomatoes, chicken stock, lentils, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then add the wine and bring the mixture to a boil. Slowly reduce the heat and cook for 1 hour on low to medium heat; or until the lentils are tender.
• Sprinkle the soup with parsley and Parmesan (optional) before serving.