Nothing warms the heart (and stomach) on a cold winter day quite like a hot, fragrant bowl of lentil soup. Lentils are protein and fiber-filled legumes that probably originated in the Near East and have been consumed since the early Neolithic times. They were one of the earliest crops to be domesticated in the Near East, and a main ingredient in many ancient Iranian stews and foods. Lentils are combined with boiled eggs to be eaten by mourners in accordance to Jewish mourning traditions, and they show up in the bible in Genesis 25:34, when Esau surrenders his birthright to his brother Jacob for a "mess of pottage," or a bowl of lentil soup.
Since lentils help control blood sugar and insulin levels and contain anti-cancer properties, it is no wonder that Health magazine recognized them as one of the five healthiest foods. Lentil soup can be made for vegetarian diets using vegetable broth as a base, or can start with chicken broth or water and beef bouillon cubes. Other optional liquids that can be added include coconut milk, red or white wine, or lemon juice, and are usually blended in at the end of cooking time.
Kitchen And Dining
Red, green or brown lentils can be used in soup, and do not require overnight soaking. The most commonly incorporated vegetables are onions, celery, carrots and potatoes, but other ingredients such as butternut squash and diced tomatoes can complement the flavors as well. Greens like cabbage, spinach and collard greens can also be added if desired. For non-vegetarian soups, meats like chicken, bacon and sausage can enhance the taste.
Egyptian soup is spiced with cumin, coriander and chili powder, while other soup varieties blend bay leaves, thyme or curry. The soup can be simmered for an hour, or can be cooked in a crock pot on low heat for several hours. Once the soup is thick and creamy, it is finished with any number of toppings. Yogurt and lemon wedges, parsley and Parmesan cheese, or croutons add a touch of flavor and flare.
Storing dry ingredients together layered in a glass jar not only makes preparation time quicker, but it also looks great on the kitchen counter. Tying a handmade card with cooking instructions to the jar of soup transforms it from an accent piece into a wonderful gift. The beautiful appearance, terrific taste and many health benefits of the "mess of pottage" are sure to please any soup aficionado.
Lentil Soup
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