This version of red lentil soup has added chicken in it making it a complete meal!
Table of Contents
What are Red Lentils?
Red lentils are a type of legume belonging to the same family as beans and peas. They are small, lens-shaped legumes that are typically salmon-pink or orange-red in color. When cooked, red lentils have a soft texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
What is Red Lentil Soup?
Red lentil soup is a popular dish made from red lentils and often includes vegetables, spices, and sometimes meat or poultry. It’s a hearty and nutritious soup that is enjoyed in many cultures around the world most popular in Turkey.
Different Versions of Red Lentil Soup
The soup can vary widely in flavor and ingredients depending on regional preferences, but common additions include onions, garlic, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and various herbs and spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Some recipes may also include coconut milk or yogurt for added creaminess. Red lentil soup is often served hot and can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a starter or side dish. It’s known for being nutritious, filling, and flavorful.
What are the Benefits of Consuming Red Lentils?
- Red lentils are high in vitamin, mineral and soluble fiber content.
- Red lentils are rich in B group vitamins, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
- The high soluble fiber content in red lentil soup provides satiety for a long time, thus facilitating weight loss.
- Red lentils regulate bowel movements when consumed as soup. However, it may cause bloating when consumed in large portions.
- It nourishes the good bacteria in the intestine, thus supporting immunity.
- It is effective in reducing blood cholesterol levels by binding cholesterol in foods.
Delicious Red Lentil Chicken Soup
Red lentil soup is one of the most preferred soups in the cold winter months and has many benefits in itself but I added in some protein to it and it was the absolute best! My family is always asking me to make this and yours will too, I guarantee!
Delicious Red Lentil Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup red lentils rinsed and drained
- 300 grams of chicken boiled and shredded
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper adjust to taste
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 medium sized lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves or parsley for garnish optional
- Lemon juice for serving optional
Instructions
- Wash the lentils. Soak the lentils for at least 2 hours and they cook like a dream!
- Boil the chicken and shred it into tiny pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add in the chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add in the red pepper paste and stir it in.
- TIP: For added flavor, you can add in 3 tablespoons of tomato puree.
- Stir in ground cumin powder, ground turmeric and red pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add in the boiled shredded chicken pieces.
- Add rinsed red lentils vegetable or chicken broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Add in the lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh mint leaves or parsley if desired, and with lemon on the side for adding to the soup.
Notes
Also find more recipe here:
A Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
How to Make the Easiest Creamiest Carbonara at Home
