Red Lentil Soup with Lemon Mint Yogurt
This red lentil soup with lemon mint yogurt is not only delicious and satisfying, but also visually stunning. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, this vegetarian soup is a perfect choice for a comforting meal. The soup starts with melting some butter in a saucepan and adding diced onion and tomato paste to caramelize. Finely minced garlic, ground cumin, and cayenne are then added to enhance the flavors. Chicken broth (or vegetable broth) is added along with red lentils, diced celery, and diced carrot. The soup is simmered until the lentils and vegetables are soft and tender. Meanwhile, a tangy lemon mint yogurt is prepared by blanching mint leaves, then mixing them with salt, lemon zest and juice, and plain Greek yogurt. Once the soup is cooked, it can be enjoyed as is, or blended partially for a creamier texture and more beautiful color. Finally, the soup is garnished with a swirl of lemon mint yogurt and a sprinkle of sliced mint. Serve this hearty and flavorful soup with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Diced onion
- Salt
- Tomato paste
- Finely minced or crushed garlic
- Ground cumin
- Cayenne
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Red lentils
- Diced celery
- Diced carrot
- Mint leaves
- Lemon zest
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Plain Greek yogurt
Cooking steps:
- Melt butter in a saucepan and add diced onion, salt, and tomato paste. Cook until onions soften and tomato paste caramelizes.
- Add minced garlic, ground cumin, and cayenne. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth (or vegetable broth), lentils, diced celery, and diced carrot. Simmer for about 40 minutes until vegetables and lentils are soft and tender.
- Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree half of the lentils and vegetables for a creamier texture and more beautiful color.
- Meanwhile, prepare the lemon mint yogurt by blanching mint leaves, then mixing them with salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and plain Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the seasoning of the soup to taste and serve garnished with a swirl of lemon mint yogurt and sliced mint.
