Spicy Indian Lentil And Tomato Soup Recipes

SPICY TOMATO AND LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Lightly brown the onions in the oil. Add the tomatoes, chili pepper, lentils, cumin and basil to the pan along with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
• When the lentils have softened, use a stick blender to puree the soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. For a special touch, put sour cream in a squirt bottle, and squeeze a spiral onto the top of each bowl of soup, and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.

SPINACH AND TOMATO DAL (INDIAN LENTIL SOUP)

Steps:

• Bring lentils and 4 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook at a simmer 10 minutes. Skim off any scum that forms and continue to simmer until the lentils are tender, about 1 hour.
• Heat the oil in a separate saucepan. Cook mustard seeds and cumin seeds in hot oil until they start to splatter, 2 to 3 minutes. Add onion, garlic, and turmeric to the seeds; cook and stir until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir spinach, tomato, and cayenne pepper into the onion mixture; cook until the spinach wilts and the tomato is tender, about 5 minutes.
• Stir the cooked lentils and cilantro into the spinach mixture; bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Adjust salt and water to taste and texture preferences.

SPICED TOMATO AND RED LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a 6 quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and a generous pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and just starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the curry powder or garam masala and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Add the broth, tomatoes and their juices, lentil, celery, carrot, garlic, cayenne, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently to keep the lentil from sticking; skim any foam as necessary.
• Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the lentils, carrots and celery are tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Season to taste with salt.

SPICY INDIAN LENTIL AND TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Wash the lentils thoroughly, being sure to remove any small stones or dirt. Place them, along with the water, in the slow cooker insert.
• In an electric coffee mill or a mortar and pestle, grind the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and peppercorns to a coarse powder.
• In a bowl, combine the ground spices, turmeric, tamarind concentrate, tomatoes, and garlic; add to the lentils.
• Cook, covered, on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the lentils are quite tender and the flavors have melded.
• Add the corn and salt to taste just before serving so that the corn retains its fresh flavor and texture.
• To make the tempering oil, heat the ghee in a frying pan, then add the mustard seeds and broken chile and sauté until the seeds begin to pop. Quickly remove from the heat and drizzle a tiny bit over each bowl of soup.
• Sprinkle with the fresh cilantro and serve.
• Suggested Beverage
• Any chilled, aromatic white wine will do nicely here.