Curried Black Lentil Soup With Tadka Recipe
Are you a fan of bold and flavorful soups? If so, then you’re in for a treat! This unique recipe combines the earthy taste of black lentils with aromatic Indian spices to create a delicious and satisfying dish. Curried Black Lentil Soup with Tadka is not only easy to make, but it also provides a nutritious and hearty meal option for any time of the day. From its rich texture to its delightful blend of spices, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds. So, let’s dive into the world of flavors and discover how to make this incredible soup!
Gather the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this flavorsome soup:
- 1 cup of black lentils
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Preparing the Soup
1. Start by rinsing the black lentils thoroughly under cold water. Once rinsed, set them aside.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for a minute until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.
5. Now it’s time to add the spices. Sprinkle ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala over the mixture. Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes with the spices.
6. Toss in the black lentils and give everything a good mix, ensuring the lentils are well-coated with the spice mixture.
7. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once it reaches boiling point, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
8. Check the soup for seasoning and adjust salt according to your taste.
Tempering with Tadka
Now that the soup is ready, let’s enhance its flavors with a traditional Indian tempering technique called tadka:
1. In a separate small pan, heat a tablespoon of oil.
2. Add a teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.
3. Toss in a pinch of asafoetida powder (optional) for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Finally, add a sprig of curry leaves and let them sizzle for a couple of seconds.
5. Pour this sizzling tadka over your cooked black lentil soup.
Serving
Your aromatic and flavorsome Curried Black Lentil Soup with Tadka is ready to be served! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. You can enjoy this soup on its own as a light meal, or pair it with warm naan bread or steamed rice for a more substantial option. The choice is yours!
A Nourishing Delight
This curried black lentil soup is not only packed with flavor but also provides a variety of health benefits. Black lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like iron and folate. Additionally, the combination of spices used in this recipe, such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric, offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Conclusion
Curried Black Lentil Soup with Tadka is the perfect recipe for those craving a fulfilling and comforting bowl of goodness. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or just looking for a new soup to add to your repertoire, this recipe is sure to impress. With its simple yet bold flavors, it’s a dish that will warm your soul and leave you craving seconds. So, give this delightful soup a try and experience the incredible taste of curried black lentils!
*Source www.tastingtable.com
