Name: Tamarind Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained; 2 tablespoons tamarind paste or concentrate; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 2 tomatoes, diced; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste); 6 cups vegetable broth; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus extra for garnish; 1 lime, cut into wedges; Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the lentils

In a medium pot, combine the red lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until lentils are soft and beginning to break down. Set aside.
Create the flavor base

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute.
Add vegetables and spices

Add diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until they soften and begin to break down. Stir in turmeric, coriander, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.
Combine and simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth and cooked lentils. Dissolve the tamarind paste in 1/4 cup warm water and add to the soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Season with salt to taste.
Finish and serve

Stir in the chopped cilantro. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with additional cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup just before eating.

Tamarind Lentil Soup

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information