**Lentils, a humble yet mighty legume, take center stage in this symphony of flavors known as Smoky Lentil Soup.** Bursting with earthy goodness, lentils simmer in a rich vegetable broth infused with the essence of smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander. Complemented by a chorus of roasted red peppers, carrots, and diced tomatoes, this hearty soup offers a delightful dance of textures and a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore variations of this comforting classic, including a vegan delight, a slow cooker rendition, and a one-pot wonder. Whether you prefer a smoky, spicy kick or a creamy, comforting embrace, our collection of recipes will guide you to lentil soup perfection.
**1. Classic Smoky Lentil Soup:**
Immerse yourself in the traditional flavors of this beloved soup, where lentils, vegetables, and spices harmonize beautifully. Roasted red peppers and diced tomatoes add a vibrant sweetness, while smoked paprika lends its captivating smoky essence.
**2. Vegan Smoky Lentil Soup:**
For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, this vegan variation offers a delectable alternative without compromising on flavor. Vegetable broth forms the base, while lentils, vegetables, and a blend of spices create a symphony of savory goodness.
**3. Slow Cooker Smoky Lentil Soup:**
Let your slow cooker do the work as you savor the convenience of this hands-off approach. Simply toss in the ingredients, set it on low, and let the magic happen. The result is a soul-satisfying soup that's perfect for busy weeknights.
**4. One-Pot Smoky Lentil Soup:**
Embrace the simplicity of a one-pot meal with this streamlined recipe. Utilizing a single pot, you'll sauté the vegetables, toast the spices, and simmer the lentils, creating a flavorful masterpiece with minimal cleanup.
**5. Creamy Smoky Lentil Soup:**
Indulge in the velvety embrace of this creamy rendition, where lentils are blended until smooth, creating a luscious texture. A touch of cream and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add a touch of decadence to this comforting bowl of goodness.
SMOKY RED-LENTIL SOUP WITH CHEDDAR TOASTS
Steps:
- Cook bacon in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is golden brown, about 6 minutes. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from pot (if your bacon renders less fat, add enough olive oil to bring total to 2 tablespoons), then add onion and carrots to bacon and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until onion is softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Add lentils and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add water, stirring and scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pot, then reduce heat to moderately low and simmer, covered, until lentils are very tender, 15 to 25 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Preheat broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet or broiler pan and spread top of each slice with butter. Broil slices 6 inches from heat until pale golden, about 1 minute. Spread buttered sides with a thin layer of mustard, then top each toast with 2 slices of cheese and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 1 minute.
- Serve soup with Cheddar toasts.
SMOKY LENTIL SOUP
This is another version of lentil soup that we really like. The recipe comes from cookbook author, Bonnie Stern.
Provided by Sweet PQ
Categories Low Cholesterol
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a soup pot, cook the bacon crisp. Remove, crumble & set aside for garnish.
- Add the onions & garlic, cooking until slightly soft and fragrant (3-5 minutes). Add the cumin & chili flakes, cooking for 30 seconds. Stir in the lentils. Add stock & bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer until lentils soften and soup starts to thicken (25-30 minutes).
- Add salt & pepper. You may need to add a bit of extra stock or water, at this point, to thin out the soup if it's needed.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley & crumbled bacon if desired.
Tips:
- Choose the right lentils: For this recipe, it's best to use small, brown or green lentils. These lentils hold their shape well and don't get mushy when cooked.
- Rinse the lentils: Before cooking, rinse the lentils in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds flavor and depth to the soup. If you don't have vegetable broth on hand, you can use water instead.
- Add smoked paprika: Smoked paprika is a key ingredient in this recipe. It gives the soup a rich, smoky flavor.
- Use a variety of vegetables: This recipe calls for carrots, celery, and onion. Feel free to add other vegetables that you like, such as potatoes, zucchini, or spinach.
- Don't overcook the lentils: Lentils cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked lentils will become mushy and lose their flavor.
- Serve with your favorite toppings: This soup is delicious served with a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions.
Conclusion:
This smoky lentil soup is a delicious and easy-to-make vegan meal. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's perfect for a cold night. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying soup, give this recipe a try.
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