17.3.08

Spicy Soup or or Why I Love Wintertime



Mixed feelings about the weather is something every human being is familiar with. If it's winter, it's the rain (or the lack of it) and everybody dreams about sunny days. If it's summer, it's how hot it is and how cosy winter days can be... I complain about the weather, therefore I exist. As the spring arrives, I have cravings for salads and colorful fruits but the soup freak in me feels a little sorry for the hot weather. Before that happens I better share my own version of dahl, the Indian spicy soup that makes a winter day like today much brighter.

dahl

Serves 4

1 1/2 cups cup dried red lentils
1 medium onion, chopped
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 large carrot, chopped
1 tsp turmeric (curcuma)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 large tomatoes (or 4 small), chopped
3 cups water or veg broth
salt to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Over medium-high heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a pot, add onions and saute for 2 minutes. Add the carrot and the turmeric and saute 2 more minutes. Add lentils and veg broth. Bring to a boil then lower the heat a bit and simmer for 10 minutes. In a small saucepan, heat remaining olive oil, toast the spices for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the tomatoes and stir carefully for 2 minutes. Mix in the tomatoes to the lentils mixture once tender and add a pinch of salt (or to taste). When about to serve, add chopped cilantro.



This is my entry for No Croutons Required, this month hosted by Holler from Tinned Tomatoes. No Croutons Required is a monthly food blogging event alternately hosted by Lisa's Kitchen and Tinned Tomatoes. The theme for March is spicy soups. The No Croutons Required challenge for March is to make a spicy soup that will tingle on the tongue. How fitting is that?? Thanks to Gretchen for bringing this event to my attention. :)

9 comments:

Deborah said...

I love soup, so for that reason only, I'm sad that it's getting warmer. But who says you can't eat soup in the spring? This sounds delicious!

Gretchen Noelle said...

SOunds tasty! Do you know about the "No Croutons Required" event? This month it is for *spicy* vegetarian soups. Seems like this would fit the bill, you should turn it in!

Suzana said...

Hi Deborah, indeed you can but it just doesn't taste the same. Anyway I can't wait for the spring to come. :)

Hey Gretchen, thanks for the tip about "No Croutons Required", I'll see to participate. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I love Indian food, dhal included...I've never made it myself though...thanks for sharing this! Your soup looks like it'll hit the spot :)

I know exactly what you mean by the weather :)

Pixie said...

I don't think I can ever get enough of soups, especially spicy ones. I've yet to try dhal and I love Indian food, will have to star this one for sure. Oh, I am a fan of your blog btw, have been reading it through google reader- so sorry if I don't comment all the time! Just know I am thoroughly enjoying it! :)

Anonymous said...

I love this dish too. We bake naan and dip in. I could make a meal out of it:)

Cannelle Et Vanille said...

Hi Suzana! Thanks for visiting my blog today and leaving such a nice comment. This soup looks delicious. I spent a whole month working near Sintra about 3 years ago and one of the things I miss is the soup. Caldo verde (si that the right spelling?). I loved Portugal! Are you portuguese?

Sylvie said...

That looks like such a good soup.

Anonymous said...

hello i made this soup yesterday and it was delicious! it wasnt as liquid as your version, but it was very tasty! Thanks for the recipe