This Indian Spiced Red Lentil and Chicken Soup is a hearty, nutritious dish, filled with aromatic spices and rich flavours. It's a perfect comfort food that's not only satisfying but also easy to prepare.
The key ingredients in this recipe are garam masala, red lentils and unsweetened coconut milk. Garam masala is a blend of ground spices, originating from the Indian subcontinent, available in the spice aisle of most supermarkets. Red lentils are high in protein and cook faster than other types of lentils. They can be found in the rice and beans aisle. Unsweetened coconut milk adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the soup. It's usually located in the international or Asian food aisle.
Ingredients for Indian Spiced Red Lentil and Chicken Soup
vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients.
garam masala: A key spice blend for the distinctive flavor.
carrots: Adds sweetness and texture.
yellow onion: Provides a savory depth.
apple: Adds a hint of tart sweetness.
celery stalks: Provides a refreshing crunch.
chicken broth: The base of the soup.
coconut milk: Gives the soup its creamy consistency.
red lentils: Brings protein and thickness to the soup.
ginger powder: Adds a bit of zing.
salt: Enhances other flavors.
cooked chicken: The main source of protein.
lime juice: Offers a tangy contrast.
cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick.
cilantro: Freshens up the dish.
One reader, Danna Bertram says:
This Indian spiced red lentil and chicken soup recipe is a game-changer! The blend of garam masala and coconut milk creates a rich, aromatic broth. The tender red lentils and chicken make it a hearty and satisfying meal. The flavors are simply divine, and it's now a staple in my kitchen!
Cooking Techniques for Indian Spiced Red Lentil and Chicken Soup
How to prepare the vegetables: Chop the carrots, onions, apples, and celery into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture in the soup.
How to cook the red lentils: Rinse the red lentils under cold water and drain. Then, add them to the soup and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender and starting to break down.
How to adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, lime juice, and cayenne pepper as desired to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
How to freeze the soup: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add more chicken broth to thin it out as the soup will thicken when frozen.
How To Make Indian Spiced Red Lentil and Chicken Soup
Creamy coconut milk, tart-sweet apples, and hearty seasonings makes this red lentil and chicken soup dish a flavor-packed meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspvegetable oil
- 1tbspgaram masala,or curry powder
- 3medium carrots,diced into ¼-inch chunks
- 1medium yellow onion,finely chopped
- 1honeycrisp apple,or Fuji, peeled, finely chopped
- 2medium celery stalks,finely chopped
- 6cupslow sodium chicken broth
- 1cupunsweetened coconut milk
- 1cupred lentils
- ¼tspginger powder
- ¾tspsalt
- 2cupschicken,skinless, cooked
- 6tbsplime juice,fresh, plus lime wedges, for serving
- pinchcayenne pepper,optional
- ½cupfresh cilantro,chopped, for serving
Instructions
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the garam masala and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the chopped carrots, onions, apples, and celery and cook, stirring frequently, for 7 to 8 minutes, until softened.
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Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, red lentils, ginger and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and starting to break down.
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Add the cooked chicken and 1 tablespoon lime juice, and heat until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, more lime juice and cayenne pepper, if desired.
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Serve the soup generously sprinkled with fresh chopped cilantro, with lime wedges on the side, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 399.11kcal
- Fat: 21.71g
- Saturated Fat: 9.97g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.35g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.92g
- Carbohydrates: 32.63g
- Fiber: 5.00g
- Sugar: 5.34g
- Protein: 22.66g
- Cholesterol: 35.00mg
- Sodium: 415.58mg
- Calcium: 54.01mg
- Potassium: 724.45mg
- Iron: 4.48mg
- Vitamin A: 28.69µg
- Vitamin C: 11.10mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting the Spice Blend
When cooking with lentils, it's important to remember that they don't require pre-soaking like other legumes. However, they should be rinsed under cold water before use to remove any dust or debris. Additionally, lentils can overcook easily and turn mushy, so keep a close eye on them during the simmering process. If you prefer a soup with a bit more texture, consider removing the pot from heat a few minutes earlier when the lentils are just tender.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and cook the chicken in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the carrots, onions, apples, and celery.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a large soup pot to minimize cleanup and simplify the cooking process.
Canned chicken: Consider using canned chicken as a time-saving alternative to cooking and shredding chicken.
Quick simmer: Increase the heat during the simmering stage to reduce the cooking time of the red lentils.
Efficient assembly: Organize ingredients and utensils beforehand to expedite the cooking process.
Pre-measure: Pre-measure spices and seasonings to save time during the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the soup is simmering, use that time to prepare the garnishes and clean up the kitchen.
Leftover magic: Utilize leftover cooked chicken to cut down on prep and cooking time.
Streamlined cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize post-cooking cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Indian Spiced Red Lentil and Chicken Soup Recipe
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Vegetable oil – Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich and fruity flavor to the soup, enhancing the overall taste.
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Garam masala – Substitute with curry powder: Curry powder can provide a similar warm and aromatic flavor profile to the dish.
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Carrots – Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can add a natural sweetness and hearty texture to the soup.
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Yellow onion – Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to yellow onions.
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Apple – Substitute with pear: Pears can provide a similar sweet and juicy element to the soup, complementing the other flavors.
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Celery stalks – Substitute with fennel bulb: Fennel bulb can add a subtle anise-like flavor and a crunchy texture to the soup.
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Chicken broth – Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a savory base and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
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Coconut milk – Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream can offer a creamy and nutty richness to the soup.
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Red lentils – Substitute with green lentils: Green lentils can provide a similar earthy flavor and hold their shape well when cooked.
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Ginger powder – Substitute with fresh ginger: Fresh ginger can add a more vibrant and aromatic flavor to the soup.
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Salt – Substitute with tamari: Tamari can provide a rich umami flavor and enhance the overall savoriness of the dish.
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Cooked chicken – Substitute with tofu cubes: Tofu cubes can offer a plant-based protein option and absorb the flavors of the soup well.
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Lime juice – Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar citrusy brightness to the soup.
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Cayenne pepper – Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a mild heat and a smoky flavor to the soup.
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Cilantro – Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh and herbaceous garnish for the soup.
Presentation Tips for Indian Spiced Red Lentil and Chicken Soup
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Elevate the plating: When presenting this Indian spiced red lentil and chicken soup, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use clean, white bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the soup and garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk and a sprinkle of garam masala for an elegant touch.
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Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by serving it with a side of crispy papadums. The contrast between the creamy soup and the crunchy papadums will provide a delightful sensory experience for the judges.
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Highlight the garnish: Sprinkle the top of the soup with a generous amount of freshly chopped cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Balance the flavors: Ensure that the soup is seasoned to perfection, with just the right amount of salt, acidity from the lime juice, and a hint of heat from the cayenne pepper. The balance of flavors is crucial in creating a dish that is worthy of three Michelin stars.
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Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Every element should be thoughtfully arranged to create a harmonious and visually stunning presentation that reflects the complexity of flavors in the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Soup
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Large soup pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot is essential for making soups and stews. It allows for even heat distribution and ample space for ingredients.
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Vegetable peeler: This tool is used to peel the carrots and the apple, ensuring they are clean and ready for use in the recipe.
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Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is necessary for chopping the vegetables, onions, and apple with precision and ease.
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Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
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Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in cooking, and these tools ensure the right amounts of ingredients are used.
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Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the soup as it cooks, and it won't scratch the surface of the pot.
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Ladle: A ladle is used for serving the soup, allowing for easy portioning into bowls.
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Citrus juicer: This tool is used to extract fresh lime juice, adding a burst of citrus flavor to the soup.
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Soup bowls: The finished soup can be served in attractive and practical soup bowls, enhancing the dining experience.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Indian Spiced Soup
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Let the soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and diluting the flavors.
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To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days.
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For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions:
- Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Label the containers with the date and contents.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer until the soup is frozen solid, then stack them to save space.
- Frozen soup will maintain its best quality for about 3 months.
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To reheat the frozen soup:
- Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Transfer the thawed soup to a pot and heat it gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- The soup will likely thicken considerably after freezing, so you may need to add additional chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving, as freezing can sometimes dull the flavors.
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If you plan to freeze the soup, consider undercooking the lentils slightly, as they will continue to soften when reheated.
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Avoid freezing the soup with the cilantro garnish, as it may become mushy and discolored. Instead, add freshly chopped cilantro when serving the reheated soup.
How To Reheat Leftover Soup
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To reheat leftover indian spiced red lentil and chicken soup, start by transferring the desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering and to help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through.
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For a stovetop method, pour the leftover soup into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and to ensure even heating. If the soup appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency. Heat until the soup is simmering and warmed through.
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If you have frozen the leftover soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, follow either the microwave or stovetop method mentioned above. Keep in mind that the soup may have thickened considerably during freezing, so you may need to add more liquid to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
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To enhance the flavors of the reheated soup, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro just before serving. These fresh ingredients will brighten up the taste and make the soup feel as though it was freshly prepared.
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If you find that the lentils have absorbed too much liquid and the soup is overly thick, use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup directly in the pot or bowl. This will help to create a smoother, more cohesive texture while also redistributing the liquid throughout the soup.
Interesting Trivia About Red Lentils
The Indian spiced red lentil and chicken soup recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of garam masala, coconut milk, and red lentils to create a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe is a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for a comforting meal. With the addition of fresh lime juice and cilantro, the soup offers a burst of refreshing flavors that complement the warmth of the spices. Whether you're looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a nourishing dish to enjoy with loved ones, this Indian spiced red lentil and chicken soup is a delightful choice.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Soup Economical?
The Indian Spiced Red Lentil and Chicken Soup recipe is cost-effective for a household. The combination of vegetables, chicken, and red lentils makes it a budget-friendly option. The use of affordable ingredients and simple cooking methods ensures that this recipe is accessible to most households. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rates this recipe at 9 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious flavors.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy?
This Indian spiced red lentil and chicken soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. The combination of lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich lentils, and various vegetables makes it a healthy choice. The use of coconut milk adds a creamy texture and healthy fats, while the garam masala and ginger provide anti-inflammatory properties. The lime juice and cilantro not only enhance the flavor but also offer vitamin C and antioxidants.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing the vegetables, or consider using a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil
- Opt for a low-fat coconut milk to decrease the overall fat content of the soup
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding ingredients like spinach, kale, or bell peppers to boost the nutrient profile
- Use a homemade chicken broth or a very low-sodium variety to control the salt content
- Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as turmeric or coriander, to further enhance the anti-inflammatory benefits of the soup
By incorporating these minor adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional value of this already healthy and delicious soup recipe. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spices, and protein sources to create a soup that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body.
Editor's Opinion on the Flavors of This Soup
The Indian spiced red lentil and chicken soup recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The aromatic garam masala adds depth to the soup, while the tender red lentils and chicken create a hearty and satisfying dish. The combination of carrots, onions, and apples provides a sweet and savory balance, complemented by the creamy coconut milk. The hint of lime juice and cilantro adds a refreshing and zesty finish. This recipe is a perfect blend of Indian spices and comforting ingredients, making it a delightful and nourishing soup for any occasion.
Enhance Your Indian Spiced Red Lentil and Chicken Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Desserts That Complement This Indian Spiced Soup
Why trust this Indian Spiced Red Lentil and Chicken Soup Recipe:
This Indian spiced red lentil and chicken soup recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas that capture the essence of Indian cuisine. The combination of garam masala and ginger infuses the soup with rich, warm spices, while the addition of coconut milk creates a creamy and indulgent texture. The use of fresh ingredients such as carrots, onions, and celery ensures a wholesome and satisfying meal. With its vibrant colors and robust flavor profile, this recipe promises to delight the senses and evoke a sense of culinary adventure.
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