My neighbor Lisa, gave me this recipe and I love it. It is a new weekly favorite.
Indian Red Lentil Soup
- 1 1/2 cups red lentils picked over
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 teaspoons grated peeled fresh gingerroot
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 small can diced canned tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- pappadams as an accompaniment
For the pappadams:
- pappadams (available at East Indian markets and specialty foods shops)
- vegetable oil for frying the pappadams
preparation
Make the soup:
In a large bowl wash the lentils in several changes of cold water until the water runs clear and drain them in a fine sieve. In a large heavy saucepan cook the onions in the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until they are softened, add the garlic and the gingerroot, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minutes. Add the cumin and the ground coriander seeds and cook the mixture over moderately low heat, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the lentils, the broth, 1 1/2 cups water, and the tomatoes and simmer the mixture, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. In a blender or food processor purée the mixture in batches, transferring it to a bowl as it is puréed, return the soup to the pan, cleaned, and season it with salt and pepper. The soup may be made 3 days in advance and kept covered and chilled. Reheat the soup and thin it, if necessary, with water.