Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to rinse lentils before making 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). Different types of lentils cook in different amounts of time. Red lentils are the fastest cooking and they dissolve as they cook and make for a smooth soup.

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.

I recommend using green or French green lentils because they hold their shape in the soup, adding satisfying texture. Brown lentils are also a fine option.

The only risk you have after cooking is encountering small stones that may accidentally remain in the lentils but this is rare. The first time I made a lentil soup, I forgot to rinse the lentils. The worst I can say is that they tasted a little … old and dusty.

However, forgetting to rinse them before adding them to your soup does not necessarily mean that the meal is unsafe to eat. Here are a few points to consider: Debris and stones: Rinsing lentils helps to remove any stones or foreign matter that may be present.

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

Powdered – garlic, turmeric, and ginger can be blended. It can be added to your meals like stew, soup, rice, and sauces to give you a lovely aroma and nutrients. Research shows that blended turmeric, ginger, and garlic are effective to reduce the risk factor of heart disease.

Antioxidant-Rich

Ginger and turmeric are both excellent sources of protective compounds. The antioxidants found in ginger may help prevent heart disease and cancer, especially when paired with garlic. Turmeric packs even more of an antioxidant punch.

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.

Can you overcook lentils in soup? ›

This time, it turned out mushy and there wasn't a whole lentil to be found. Damn it! I figured out later that it spent about 2.5 hours too long in the slow cooker (a little miscalculation on my part). If you're like me and have overcooked Lentil Soup then you're in luck because I'm going to show you how to revive it.

Incorporating red lentils to your diet can help you easily meet your fiber and protein needs. Red lentils also contain a significant amount of folate, which is a superhero involved in cell division. If someone eating plant-based does not get enough folate, it can affect the way DNA is made in our body.

Pair this lentil soup with crusty bread or a hearty salad like my kale salad or sweet potato salad. It would also go well with a vegetable side dish like roasted cauliflower, roasted broccoli, or a baked sweet potato.

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.

You can also add salt, aromatics like a halved onion, herbs, and spices to the pot before the lentils and the water, like beans, or wait until they're done cooking to flavor them.

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.

It's best to be safe and rinse and sift through them before cooking, because no one wants to break a tooth by biting down on a rock. Follow this tip: Give the lentils a good rinse in a colander to remove any debris and sift through them to be sure there are no hidden stones tucked among the legumes.