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Ginger flavors the creamed lentil soup and spiced carmelized onions make a fabulous garnish for this rich soup from India. You will need a food processor or blender to puree the cooked lentils.

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Lentil Recipes

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Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups red lentils
• 4 cups chicken broth or water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 (1-inch) piece ginger root, peeled and chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, finely shredded
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Fresh-ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, optional

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 65 minutes

Preparation

Pick over the lentils, removing any stones or misshapen or discolored lentils. Rinse thoroughly and place in a nonreactive deep pot. Add the chicken broth or water, turmeric, ginger, and tomatoes bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, 25 minutes until the lentils are soft.

Remove from the heat and, working in batches, puree in a food processor fitted with the metal blade or blender until smooth.

Return the soup to the pot, stir in the milk and salt, and heat until piping hot. Simmer gently over low heat while you finish the recipe.

In a skillet over high heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and cumin and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes until the onions are brown.

To serve, ladle the soup into warmed bowls and sprinkle generously with black pepper. Divide the onion mixture among the bowls, sprinkle with cilantro, if desired, and serve at once.

Yield: 6 servings

Per serving: 263 calories, 31 percent calories from fat, 13 grams protein, 33 grams carbohydrates, 8 grams total fiber, 9 grams total fat 26 milligrams cholesterol, 623 milligrams sodium.

Recipe Source: Savoring India by Julie Sahni (Williams-Sonoma/Oxmoor)
Reprinted with permission.