Lentil Soup Recipe

Tips for Choosing and Cleaning Lentils Before Cooking

Proper selection and cleaning of lentils is essential for achieving a delicious and safe-to-eat soup. Here are the most important points:

Lentil Selection

Lentils should have a uniform and bright color. Avoid buying those that show:

Stains or discoloration
Signs of moisture
Visible holes or damage
Excessive wrinkles

Cleaning Process

Spread the lentils on a clear flat surface and follow these steps:

Carefully remove any small stones that could damage your teeth and compromise the safety of your preparation.
Separate and discard damaged or discolored lentils that could affect the final taste and overall appearance of your soup.
Remove all plant residues such as stems or dry husks that could alter the desired texture of the dish.
Take out any foreign material that could contaminate the soup and compromise its final quality.

Proper Washing

The washing process should be done as follows:

Place the lentils in a sturdy fine-mesh strainer to ensure thorough and effective cleaning.
Rinse under cold water until it runs completely clear, removing any residue or impurities.
Check one final time while draining to ensure safety and guarantee perfect cleanliness.

Storage

To keep lentils in optimal condition:

Store them in an airtight glass container preferably to maintain freshness for longer.
Keep them in a cool, dry place away from odors that could permeate the lentils.
Avoid direct light exposure to better preserve them and maintain their properties intact.
Consume within 6 months for maximum quality and nutrient benefits.

Note about soaking: Unlike other grains, lentils don't need pre-soaking. Soaking can make them too soft during cooking and cause them to lose their shape. However, if you decide to soak them, don't exceed 2 hours.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Lentil Texture

The perfect lentil texture depends on several key factors. Here are the most important tips:

Temperature and Water

Always start cooking with cold water, never hot, to prevent the skin from breaking and maintain lentil integrity throughout the process.
Keep a gentle and continuous simmer during cooking to ensure uniform texture and prevent some lentils from being overcooked.
If you need to add more water during cooking, make sure it's hot to maintain constant temperature and not interrupt the cooking process.

Cooking Times

In a conventional pot: 1 to 1.5 hours, adjusting according to the type of lentil and desired texture for your recipe.
In a pressure cooker: approximately 10-15 minutes, carefully monitoring to prevent overcooking.
Check the texture by testing lentils from different areas of the pot to ensure uniform cooking throughout.

Important Techniques

Don't stir the lentils while they're boiling to prevent breaking and maintain their shape throughout cooking.
Keep the heat high at the beginning and when boiling reduce to medium to better control cooking and prevent them from falling apart.
Use approximately 4 times more water than lentils for proper cooking and perfect broth consistency.

Additional Tips

Water hardness affects cooking time: harder water = longer cooking time, consider this when planning your preparation.
To thicken the texture, you can blend a portion of lentils with their broth and reintegrate it into the stew for a creamier consistency.
Partially cover the pot during cooking to maintain their shape without turning into purée and better control evaporation.

How to Make the Soup Thicker or Lighter According to Preference

The perfect consistency of a lentil soup is very personal. Here's how to adjust it to your taste:

To Thicken the Soup

Blend a portion of the lentils and vegetables with an immersion blender, then reincorporate them into the soup for a creamier texture.
Prepare a mixture of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of cold water and add it to the boiling soup, stirring constantly.
Add more separately cooked lentils to increase the natural consistency of the dish.

To Make the Soup Lighter

Gradually add more broth or hot water until reaching the desired consistency.
Incorporate more fresh vegetables to maintain flavor while reducing density.
Adjust the initial liquid amount using 4 cups of broth for a thicker soup or 5-6 cups for a lighter one.

Additional Tips

Always add thickeners when the soup is boiling to avoid lumps.
Stir constantly after adding any thickener.
Remember that the soup will continue to thicken as it cools.
Adjust seasonings after modifying the consistency to maintain flavor balance.

Key Ingredients

Lentil soup is a nutritious and comforting dish that requires basic but fundamental ingredients. The precise combination of these elements will create a delicious and balanced soup.

Lentils: 1 cup, base of the soup, provides protein and fiber.
Water or vegetable broth: 4 cups, liquid for cooking lentils and adding flavor.
Onion: 1 medium, chopped, adds flavor and aroma to the sofrito.
Carrot: 2 medium, sliced, adds sweetness and texture to the soup.
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped, contributes to the flavor and texture of the sofrito.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, intensifies the flavor of the sofrito.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing vegetables and adding flavor.
Tomato: 1 large, chopped, adds acidity and color to the soup.
Bay leaf: 1 leaf, flavors the soup during cooking.
Salt: to taste, enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Pepper: to taste, adds a touch of spice and aroma.
Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish and adding freshness at the end.

How to Make Lentil Soup Step by Step

The preparation of a delicious lentil soup requires attention to detail and patience. Following these steps, you'll achieve a soup with perfect texture and exceptional flavor.

Step 1: Initial Preparation

Clean and rinse 1 cup of lentils following the previously mentioned cleaning techniques, making sure to remove any stones or impurities.
Finely chop 1 medium onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, and 2 garlic cloves, keeping the cuts uniform for even cooking.

Step 2: Preparing the Sofrito

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are soft and aromatic.

Step 3: Adding Ingredients

Add 1 large chopped tomato and bay leaf to the sofrito, cooking for 3-4 additional minutes.
Incorporate the clean lentils and stir gently to integrate with the vegetables.

Step 4: Cooking Process

Pour in 4 cups of cold water or vegetable broth, following the recommended liquid ratio.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low, maintaining a gentle and steady simmer.

Step 5: Cooking Control

Cook for 45-60 minutes, following the previously mentioned texture tips.
Don't stir constantly; only check the liquid level and add more if needed (always hot).

Step 6: Finishing

Adjust salt and pepper to taste when lentils are tender.
Garnish with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

Your lentil soup is ready to enjoy. For a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. For a thinner soup, gradually add more hot broth until reaching your desired consistency. Remember you can store leftovers following the previously mentioned storage recommendations.

How to Fix an Overly Salty Lentil Soup

Lentil soup can be easily saved if it turns out too salty. Here's how to solve this problem:

Dilution Methods

Add more water or unsalted broth gradually, tasting between each addition to maintain flavor.
Incorporate more fresh unsalted vegetables to dilute the concentration and add new flavors.
Add potato chunks during cooking, as they will absorb some of the salt.

Flavor Balance

Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to balance the salty taste.
Add a touch of sugar or honey to counteract excess salt.
Include dairy products like cream, yogurt, or milk to soften salt perception.

Herbs and Spices

Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme to mask the salty taste.
Incorporate additional spices to create new layers of flavor.

Important Tips

Taste the soup after each adjustment to avoid overcorrecting.
Adjust final seasonings only after correcting the excess salt.
Remember it's easier to prevent excess salt than to correct it.

Ideas for Decorating and Presenting the Soup Attractively

The presentation of a lentil soup can significantly elevate its visual appeal and flavor. Here are the best options for decorating and serving:

Fresh Garnishes

Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or cilantro over the surface to add color and freshness, creating an attractive visual contrast.
Add chopped mint leaves for an aromatic touch and visual contrast that also brings a refreshing flavor.
Place thin diagonal slices of green onion to add height to the dish and create dimension in the presentation.

Crunchy Toppings

Serve with crispy pita chips on top of the soup or on the side to add texture and a decorative element.
Add golden homemade croutons for texture and contrast, ensuring they are well toasted and crispy.
Decorate with toasted seeds to add a crunchy element and bring a nutritious touch to the presentation.

Creamy Elements

Place a spoonful of yogurt or labneh in the center of the soup creating an elegant and creamy focal point.
Add a circular drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to create an attractive and shiny visual design.
Incorporate a spiral of sour cream to create an attractive design and add a contrast of color and flavor.

Final Touches

Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side to add a touch of color and allow for acidity adjustment.
Sprinkle spices like za'atar or sumac to add color and flavor, creating interesting visual layers.
Add a touch of freshly grated parmesan on top for an elegant finish and additional flavor.

Plate Presentation

Use light-colored deep bowls to highlight the soup's color and create an elegant frame for presentation.
Clean the edges of the plate before serving for a more professional and carefully detailed presentation.
Keep garnishes concentrated in the center to create a focal point that immediately draws attention.

How to Freeze and Store Lentil Soup Correctly

Proper storage of lentil soup will allow you to enjoy it for longer. Here are the appropriate methods:

Refrigerator Storage

Cool the soup to room temperature (20-25°C) before storing it in the refrigerator to avoid sudden temperature changes that could affect its quality.
Store in well-sealed airtight containers made of glass or food-grade plastic, avoiding metallic containers that may react.
Keep in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3-4 days at a constant temperature between 1-4°C to ensure preservation.
Place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually the central area, where temperature remains most stable.

Freezing Process

Let the soup cool completely to room temperature before freezing to prevent ice crystal formation.
Divide into individual or family portions to facilitate later use and avoid thawing more than needed.
Pour into airtight containers leaving 2-3 cm space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing (-18°C).
Label containers with date and contents to maintain proper storage time control.

Storage Time

In the refrigerator: maximum 3-4 days at a temperature between 1-4°C.
In the freezer: up to 6 months maintaining quality at a constant -18°C.
Consume as soon as possible once thawed (1-2 days maximum) keeping it refrigerated.

Thawing Process

Thaw slowly in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours at 4°C to maintain food safety.
Alternatively, use the microwave's defrost function at medium-low power (50%) for a faster process.
Stir well while reheating until reaching 75°C to ensure uniform and safe heating.

Important Tips

Never refreeze soup that has been thawed to prevent bacterial growth.
If it contains pasta or rice, freeze them separately at -18°C to prevent softening and loss of texture.
Use specific freezer containers or bags that can withstand temperatures down to -18°C without deteriorating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What type of lentils are best for soup?

A: Brown and green lentils are ideal for soups as they hold their shape well during cooking, providing texture and substance. Red lentils are a good option if you prefer a creamier consistency, as they tend to break down more quickly.

Q: Do I need to soak lentils before cooking?

A: No, it's not necessary to soak lentils before cooking, which makes them convenient for quick meals. Simply rinse them under cold water to remove dust or residue before using them in the soup.

Q: How can I thicken lentil soup?

A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can remove a portion of the cooked lentils and vegetables, blend them into a puree, and then reincorporate the mixture back into the pot. This technique improves the soup's consistency without altering its flavor.

Q: Can lentil soup be frozen?

A: Lentil soup freezes exceptionally well. Let the soup cool completely before freezing it in airtight containers or freezer bags, and it can be stored frozen for several months.