Test cook erin mcmurrer uncovers the secrets to the ultimate red lentil soup with north african spices.
Vegan Turkish Red Lentil Soup
We start by sautéing onions in butter and use the warm mixture to bloom some fragrant spices found in north african cooking:
Recipe Summary Vegan Turkish Red Lentil Soup
This delicious red lentil soup is super easy to make and full of flavor. It's vegan as well -- win/win! My dad combined a few different recipes over the years and this one was decidedly the winner. It's been made by many people throughout the family and is always met with great compliments!
Cannot emphasize enough that you really need to use red lentils for this recipe as it's key to the taste. If you can't find them in your regular grocery store, they are always in stock at the nearest Indian food market. Best served with your favorite freshly baked bread!Ingredients | Red Lentil Soup With North African Spices
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
2 teaspoons salt, divided
2 sprigs fresh thyme
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 Turkish bay leaves
6 cups vegetable broth
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups red lentils, picked over and rinsed
1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups water
4 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 lemon, sliced into wedges
Directions
Heat olive oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add thyme sprigs, garlic, cumin, and bay leaves; cook, stirring, for 1 minute more.
Add vegetable broth, tomatoes, red lentils, tomato paste, oregano, remaining salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Cover partially and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are very soft and falling apart, 30 to 45 minutes.
Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Let soup cool briefly, about 10 minutes. Transfer 4 cups of soup to a blender; blend until smooth. Mix back into the saucepan. Stir in water. Ladle soup into bowls; garnish with chopped parsley and a squirt of lemon juice.
Soup can be made 3 days ahead. Cooled it uncovered. Then it can be chilled, covered.
Substitute 1 California bay leaf for the Turkish bay leaves if preferred.
Info | Red Lentil Soup With North African Spices
prep:
15 mins
cook:
40 mins
additional:
10 mins
total:
1 hr 5 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings
TAG : Vegan Turkish Red Lentil Soup
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