Tibetan Lentil Soup

Tibetan Lentil Soup

I had this wonderfully refreshing and hearty soup for the first time I visited His Holiness Dalai Lama's abode in Dharamshala, India. This soup, as I learnt from the local Tibetans, is one of their staple diet. This warm soup has a wonderful warming effect on the cold winter months. I love this soup because it is easy to make and gives a satisfaction unknown. You can try it out any time and enjoy it with the family. This is also an absolute healthy option for growing children.

Preparation Time :  20 minutes (Boiling the lentils)
Cooking Time      :  20 minutes
Difficulty              :  Very Easy
Serves                  :  6

Ingredients :

1 1/2 cups dried Lentils, rinsed

6 cups Water

1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil

1 1/2 cups Onions, chopped

2 cloves Garlic, minced

1 fresh Chili Pepper

1 Carrot, peeled and diced

1 Potato, diced

2 teaspoons Ground Coriander

3 cups un-drained canned Tomatoes or 500 grams of Tomatoes, blanched, chopped, with the seeds and pulp. 

1 tablespoon fresh Cilantro/Coriander leaves, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons Salt

2 teaspoons Cumin

 

Method :

  1) Wash and Drain the lentils well.

 

  2) In a big soup pot bring the lentils and water to a boil, then reduce the hear, cover and simmer until tender- about 20 minutes.

 

  3) Meanwhile, heat a pan over medium high heat and add oil.

 

  4) Add and saute the onions, garlic and chili for 5 minutes. Till the onions get lightly browned.

 

  5) Add the carrots, potatoes, coriander and cumin and saute for another minute, stirring to prevent sticking.

 

  6) Remove from the heat and set aside.

 

  7) When lentils are tender, coarsely chop the tomatoes right in the can(or in case of blanched tomatoes, chop and add them) and stir them into the soup pot.

 

  8) Add the chopped cilantro, salt, and sauteed vegetables.

 

  9) Cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until all of the vegetables are tender.

 

10) Check the seasonings and adjust if required.

 

11) Serve the hot soup in individual bowls with a dollop of Butter or with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro/coriander leaves.