Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to rinse lentils before making soup? ›

Lentils, just like beans and rice, are a natural product that does not undergo any processing before being bagged and sold. Rinsing lentils will allow you to get rid of any accumulated dust, dirt, small rocks, twigs and possibly bugs that have come along for the ride: you don't want any of that in your food!

Heart Health: It may improve the function of the endothelium, the lining of your blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart diseases. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that turmeric may help prevent and treat cancer. Digestive Health: It aids digestion and can relieve symptoms of indigestion.

You can also use flour or cornflour to thicken a soup. Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer.

Lentils come in different sizes and colors ranging from yellow and red to green and brown and vary slightly in flavor and texture. The good news is you can use any type of lentil in lentil soup. The other good news: Lentils don't need to soak as beans do (though you do need to sort and rinse them before cooking).

I don't think I have ever washed lentils and we're all still here I even fed all my babies on red lentils without washing them. After all they are going to be boiled. There'll be no food poisoning, just maybe a bit of grit. But I never wash lentils and they don't taste gritty.

It is generally recommended to rinse lentils before cooking them to remove any debris or impurities [1]. However, forgetting to rinse them before adding them to your soup does not necessarily mean that the meal is unsafe to eat.

Some studies suggest that ginger and turmeric could help decrease markers of inflammation, relieve chronic pain, reduce nausea, and improve immune function.

Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric supplements. Because turmeric may act like a blood thinner, you should stop taking it at least 2 weeks before surgery. Tell your doctor and surgeon that you have been taking turmeric.

To avoid a bland lentil soup, use a flavorful broth—whether that's homemade or store-bought chicken or vegetable broth. The other key is building flavor. To do so, use aromatics like onions and garlic, include fresh or dried herbs, and season well with salt and pepper.

4. Cooking them at too rapid of a simmer. Mushy, overcooked lentils are far from tasty.

Is red lentil soup healthy for you? ›

Red lentil soup can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your diet. Red lentils are high in protein and fiber, and are a good source of essential nutrients such as folate, iron, and phosphorus. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a good choice for weight management.

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Red lentils are best for soups, curries, dals, and anything that craves a creamy, thicker, more comforting touch.

Editor: First, I wonder how old your lentils are. If they're more than a year or two old, they will often stay crunchy in the middle no matter how long you cook them! Another trick is to wait to add salt or acidic ingredients until near the end of cooking. Take a look at our post on cooking lentils for some more help!

Swish the water, drain, and repeat until the water runs clear. This usually takes six or seven rinses for red lentils, split peas and moong dhal, and as little as two for green or brown lentils.

Why Should You Soak Lentils? Certain pulses have a natural drive of causing gas and bloating in the body. Soaking mimics the natural germination process and changes the seed that is dormant and indigestible into the dal laden with nutrients and complete digestibility.

Red or green, tender or toothy, hot or cold — lentils can be used in an endless variety of dishes. And no matter how you plan to eat them, they usually start with a simple boil and drain.