Lentil soup recipe is a warm and nourishing food that has been incorporated into the cuisines of almost every country around the world. It is very rich in flavour and texture, hence prepared mainly with lentils. Lentils are legumes that contain protein, fibre, and many other important nutrients. The versatility of lentils makes so many variations of this soup as one can prepare lots of variations of it. Basic lentil soup includes some variation of saut ed onions, carrots, and celery as a foundation. Then, sometimes, garlic and spices such as cumin, coriander, and bay leaves add depth. The lentils are added accompanied by soft and absorbent flavours of spices and vegetables with rich, hearty textures. One good thing about making lentil soup is that it can be done in several different ways. For example, the soup texture: can be very thin and smooth and creamy or even chunky and a little more rustic, as you prefer. Of course, there can be many additions, such as tomatoes and spinach, or even sausages, to make a taste more varied. If you are a vegetarian, the amount of lentil soup alone would indeed make it a full meal, offering you the protein and fibre you require, along with the carbs. The lentil soup is not only flavourful but also extremely healthy, low in calories, high in nutrients, and can be prepared in big batches, so the perfect recipe can be used for meal prep or cosy family dinners. Lentil soup will warm the soul, and nurture the body - a staple in any culture.

• Dal and pulses-masoor dal red lentils1 1/2 cup
• 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 onion
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
• Lime juice
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 tbsp oil
• Coriander leaves
• 1 tomato
• Curry leaves

• Wash the red lentils thoroughly, as the first step to preparing the lentil soup.
• Then, soak them in water for about 20-30 minutes. Soaking the lentils will help to shorten their cooking time while, simultaneously saving energy; they cook fast.
• In a large pan over medium heat, add one tablespoon of oil. Let the oil get hot, then add sliced onions and saut until they are browned and translucent. Such a step adds flavour depth to your soup.
• Add the mustard seeds to the pan with the optional curry leaves. Stir-fry this mixture until the mustard seeds crackle and the curry leaves release their fragrance. This tempering process liberates the aromatic oils of the spices, which enriches the flavour of the dish.
• Dice tomatoes and ginger-garlic paste mixtures and saut them in the pan. Stir and let cook the tomatoes for some time so they get mushy and blend well into the mixture while bringing in their sweetness to the soup.
• Reduce the flame flame so as not to get it burnt. Add the following spices, following this: turmeric, red chilli powder, black pepper, ground cumin, and ground coriander.
• Saute the spice on high flame for a minute to allow their fragrances to blend with each other.
• Now, add the soaked red lentils to the pan.
• Stir-fry the lentils for a minute over high flame so that they are well-coated with the spice mixture. This brings out the natural flavours of the lentils; it will all balance out to enhance the taste of the soup.
• Pour in the prepared broth, which consists of 5 cups of water and concentrated stock. Stir everything up well so everything is evenly distributed, and add a scrape of nutmeg for extra depth.
• Cover the pan and cook until lentils are soft and tender. This takes about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning and ensure that they cook evenly.
• Turn off the heat as soon as the lentils are soft. Add a pinch of salt and taste, and adjust to your taste. Juice one lime and add to your soup for that sense of brightness and refreshing zing at the same time.
• Ladle the soup into the serving bowls.
• Add freshly chopped cilantro on top as a garnish. This is an excellent pop of colour, and it adds so much texture for such a simple soup.
• Serve hot, good enough for an old-fashioned lunch or dinner. With crusty bread or even just rice to go with it, it is an excellent meal.
• The recipe of lentil soup is tasty and nutritious simultaneously; therefore, it makes a perfect meal at any given time. Enjoy the warm feeling of the taste on your table.