Smoky Red Pepper & Lentil Soup | Rebel Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to rinse lentils before making soup? ›

Rinse. On occasion, you'll find small rocks or debris mixed in with dried lentils. To avoid eating them, rinse the lentils in a fine mesh sieve and pick them over before you cook them.

You can also use flour or cornflour to thicken a soup. Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer.

the color change you've observed is from oxidation. If you want to prevent this, lay some plastic wrap over the surface of your lentils to prevent air from getting to them, or add some acid, like lime juice, to the recipe.

SPICE IT UP

You can can add almost any spice to a soup to help it taste better, but here are a few of my favorites: Italian seasoning: this blend of dried herbs works great with tomato-based soups, lentil soups, and more. Smoked paprika: this vibrant spice helps to add smokiness, a subtle sweetness, and depth of flavor.

While not rinsing lentils may not pose an immediate safety risk, it is generally recommended to rinse them before cooking to ensure a cleaner and more enjoyable meal. If you have already cooked the soup, you can still enjoy it, but be mindful of any potential debris or grit that may be present.

Yes, you can overcook lentils; they will become mushy. Much depends on the type of lentil you're using. Some cook quicker and hold their shape better than others. To avoid overcooking them, always follow the cooking directions in your recipe and use the type of lentils called for in the ingredient list.

Pair this lentil soup with crusty bread or a hearty salad like my kale salad or sweet potato salad. It would also go well with a vegetable side dish like roasted cauliflower, roasted broccoli, or a baked sweet potato.

Incorporating red lentils to your diet can help you easily meet your fiber and protein needs. Red lentils also contain a significant amount of folate, which is a superhero involved in cell division. If someone eating plant-based does not get enough folate, it can affect the way DNA is made in our body.

It's nourishing. Lentils are an excellent source of fiber, iron, and protein, providing essential and non-essential amino acids that the body needs to build protein. It's allergy friendly. This recipe is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Eating lentils can cause gas and bloating because they're high in fiber that your body is unable to break down. While fiber plays a large role in supporting and regulating your digestive system and bowel movements, it can also produce bacteria that leads to cramping and gas pains.

What makes lentils taste better? ›

Think more like you're cooking pasta- you just need significantly more water than lentils. You can also use broth instead of adding an extra layer of flavor. I like adding a bay leaf, an onion cut in half, and a clove of garlic to add flavor to the lentils.

Lentils are bland, that's why they are perfect for adding flavour to. Personally, my favourite is to fry up bits of bacon and stir those into the cooked lentils, dead easy and quick. What do I do to keep lentils from being bland and terrible? Add loads of garlic, cumin, onion, and ginger.

Support your digestive system

Lentils are rich in a type of fiber that helps your digestive system work as it should and fuels good bacteria in your gut. Fiber may also help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. “Fiber plays an important role in regulating our bowels and protecting the immune system,” says Homan.

Aim to soak your beans or lentils for at least 4 hours, and preferably overnight. Dump the soaking water (i.e. don't use it to cook the beans). Then be sure to give your beans/lentils a good rinse before cooking to wash away those gas-producing carbohydrates.

One benefit of lentils is that they can be cooked in less than an hour. While it seems like an unnecessary step, don't skip rinsing your lentils and sifting through them before cooking to remove any stones or debris.

So not having washed them won't be a problem. The potential problem is if you didn't inspect them. Bean plants grow in the ground, so gathering them can sometimes pick up small stones that get into the beans. You inspect and wash beans and lentils to find and remove such stones.

Do you rinse canned lentils? It is not necessary to rinse canned lentils before cooking, but you can rinse them by emptying them into a strainer and under cold water. This can help to remove some of the sodium content from the liquid around the beans.