Long, slow simmering is usually a trait of luscious soups. But no so with easy lentil soup. It only takes about 35 minutes to cook the lentils. Strong aromatics give flavor that keeps a long simmering unnecessary. This soup is enjoyed in most cultures. The difference in flavor is due to the different spices, cooking liquids, and aromatics used.
For excellent nutrition, you can't beat lentil soup. It is low in calories and fats and high in vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists give it top billing for health resources. It is vegan friendly and gluten-free, so many people can enjoy it. High-fiber and antioxidant rich due to vegetables, herbs and spices used in it make it an excellent, nutritious food.
Lentils are very high in several nutrients that are sought by many. They have very high amounts in the various B vitamins. They also are high in vital minerals like iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These are some of the minerals that are often hard to obtain in the normal American diet. It is evident that one of the healthiest foods might be lentils.
Many claim that lentils have no flavor, but they just have such a mild flavor that they need additional ingredients for flavor. These extra flavorings give the variety of ethnic flavors that many desire. Almost any ethnic taste is possible, such as Thai, Italian, Lebanese, and Indian. American flavors with a little less spice than others are possible, as are Mexican and Ethiopian. For a strong, rich flavor using a large amount of EVOO a totally different flavor.
If you prefer a stew in preference to a thinner soup, it is possible to have that, too. Just let it cook a little drier and leave the vegetables in chunks. To make a thinner soup, or a creamy one, add extra stock, water, or coconut liquid and blend with a stick blender to make the mixture as creamy as you want. Lentils are so versatile that you can do many things with them.
The aromatics that help give lentils their flavor include carrots, onions, celery, garlic, an assortment of different peppers, ginger, and anything else that will define the ethnicity you wish to emulate. Use EVOO to soften the aromatics without browning them. Just steam then over a low simmer until soft and the onions are translucent. Then add the desired spices and continue to steam until the aroma is released, meaning the flavor is enhanced.
Another item that enhances the flavor of lintels, as with other foods, is the versatile tomato. Roasted tomatoes are preferable as they give a richer flavor. In many cultures tomatoes are a given for any soups or stews, but if not used carefully they can overpower lentils. Try tomatoes in varying amounts to see what pleases you, or just leave them out if that is preferable to you.
Cooking liquids can be varied and are another source of flavor. In addition to chicken, beef, and vegetable stocks, you can use coconut milk for added flavor and creaminess. To keep the soup simmering, keep a pot of the cooking liquid heating on the back of the stove for adding when the cooking liquid in the soup gets low. If you choose to let the soup thicken, then you won't need the added liquid.
For excellent nutrition, you can't beat lentil soup. It is low in calories and fats and high in vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists give it top billing for health resources. It is vegan friendly and gluten-free, so many people can enjoy it. High-fiber and antioxidant rich due to vegetables, herbs and spices used in it make it an excellent, nutritious food.
Lentils are very high in several nutrients that are sought by many. They have very high amounts in the various B vitamins. They also are high in vital minerals like iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These are some of the minerals that are often hard to obtain in the normal American diet. It is evident that one of the healthiest foods might be lentils.
Many claim that lentils have no flavor, but they just have such a mild flavor that they need additional ingredients for flavor. These extra flavorings give the variety of ethnic flavors that many desire. Almost any ethnic taste is possible, such as Thai, Italian, Lebanese, and Indian. American flavors with a little less spice than others are possible, as are Mexican and Ethiopian. For a strong, rich flavor using a large amount of EVOO a totally different flavor.
If you prefer a stew in preference to a thinner soup, it is possible to have that, too. Just let it cook a little drier and leave the vegetables in chunks. To make a thinner soup, or a creamy one, add extra stock, water, or coconut liquid and blend with a stick blender to make the mixture as creamy as you want. Lentils are so versatile that you can do many things with them.
The aromatics that help give lentils their flavor include carrots, onions, celery, garlic, an assortment of different peppers, ginger, and anything else that will define the ethnicity you wish to emulate. Use EVOO to soften the aromatics without browning them. Just steam then over a low simmer until soft and the onions are translucent. Then add the desired spices and continue to steam until the aroma is released, meaning the flavor is enhanced.
Another item that enhances the flavor of lintels, as with other foods, is the versatile tomato. Roasted tomatoes are preferable as they give a richer flavor. In many cultures tomatoes are a given for any soups or stews, but if not used carefully they can overpower lentils. Try tomatoes in varying amounts to see what pleases you, or just leave them out if that is preferable to you.
Cooking liquids can be varied and are another source of flavor. In addition to chicken, beef, and vegetable stocks, you can use coconut milk for added flavor and creaminess. To keep the soup simmering, keep a pot of the cooking liquid heating on the back of the stove for adding when the cooking liquid in the soup gets low. If you choose to let the soup thicken, then you won't need the added liquid.
About the Author:
When you are looking for information about easy lentil soup, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.yummygoodness.com/lentil-soup now.