Lentil soup

Lentils are one of the great ways to add protein and fiber in your diet. This soup recipe can be paired with your favorite vegetables and spices to taste.  Adding vegetable broth enhance the flavor of soup. Different kind of lentils can be used.  It is super easy to prepare and taste delicious. I am going to use some whole green lentils paired with masoor and moong dal to give it a thick consistency.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup whole green lentils
• ¼ cup masoor dal
• ¼ cup moong dal
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ¼ cup chopped carrots
• 3 stalks of celery chopped
• ¼ cup chopped onions
• ¼ cup chopped green bell peppers
• ¼ cup chopped zucchini
• Some broccoli florets
• 2-3 garlic cloves chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Chopped parsley to garnish

Instructions:

• Wash and soak lentils for 5-6 hours.
• Pressure cook the lentils, hear about 2 whistles.
• Heat up oil in saucepan over medium heat.
• Add garlic, sauté for 30 seconds (do not burn), add chopped vegetables except broccoli and parsley. Cover and cook until veggies are tender.
• Add cooked lentils and vegetable broth. Mix well.
• Add salt, pepper and cumin. Mix well and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes.
• Soup consistency is to your liking. If you like thick, crank up the heat to high.
• Just before serving, garnish with broccoli and parsley. 

Tips:

You can use water instead of vegetable broth. Taste would be totally different. In that case you can add some garam masala to give an Indian taste.