Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self. - Cyril Connolly
Monday, January 15, 2007
This'll Kill Whatever Ails Ye
I modified a simple lentil soup recipe to spice it up - the heat will make you feel better, and clear out some of those sinuses! This takes but a few minutes to make and is ready in half an hour.
You'll need:
1 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil One onion - chopped 2 large cloves of garlic finely chopped 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (regular is fine, but the smokiness is nice) 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup red lentils 1 can (14.5 oz) dice tomatoes in juice 1 can (10 oz) chickpeas - drained and rinsed juice from 1/2 lemon 2 teaspoons Harissa paste (available in most grocery stores nowadays)
Sautee the onions, garlic and ginger in the olive oil for about 6 minutes
Add the spices and stir for another minute
Add broth, lentils, chickpeas and tomatoes
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes
Add the lemon juice and Harissa
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream
Stir well and enjoy
The Harissa paste is essential for making this different. If you don't have any - add another chili paste like sambal olek, or add chili flakes to your liking.
