Black Lentil Borscht
Black Lentil Borscht: A Hearty and Nutritious Soup
Black Lentil Borscht is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for cold winter days. This soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. In this recipe, we will show you how to make Black Lentil Borscht from scratch, with detailed composition of ingredients by serving, cooking tips, and a description of the cooking process, appearance, and taste of the dish.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 cup black lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sour cream and fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Tips:
- Soak the lentils overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Use a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot to cook the soup evenly and prevent burning.
- Add the tomato paste and smoked paprika towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavors.
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
3. Add the black lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and smoked paprika and cook for another 5 minutes, until the flavors are well combined.
5. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh parsley.
Appearance and Taste:
Black Lentil Borscht is a beautiful and vibrant soup, with a deep red color and a creamy texture. The flavors are rich and complex, with a subtle smokiness from the paprika and a hint of sweetness from the vegetables. The lentils add a nutty and earthy flavor, while the sour cream and parsley provide a refreshing and tangy contrast. This soup is both satisfying and nourishing, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and delicious meal.
Type: Soup
Main Ingredients: Black lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste.
