Lentil Soup

I'm back! I know it's been a while, but it's been a crazy summer that has included approximately 15 out of country guests coming to visit and a wedding! All in all, it's been a crazy, super hot, fun-loving summer, but now it's time for some real fun: FOOD!

Now, I know you might think I'm crazy to come back to this blog with soup in the middle of summer, but I promise there's good reasoning. See, it's Ramadan and Muslims who fast the month of Ramadan know that soup is a necessary aspect to the meal, even in the dead of summer! Why, you ask?! Well, you need something to ease your stomach for the feast that is about to come and nothing does that better than soup and lentil soup is a classic.

This delicious soup uses red lentils instead of the brown lentils we are used to seeing in the United States, which makes for a beautiful golden colored soup instead of a muddy brown one. Plus, this recipe is super easy to make!



Don't you want a bowl of this yummy stuff right now?! Well, lucky for you, here's the recipe!

Note: Traditionally, a food mill is used to create a smooth soup; however, if a food mill is unavailable, then go ahead and use a blender to blend your soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Red Lentils
• 4 cups Water
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp. Lemon Juice
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Pita Croutons (recipe below)

Recipe:

1. In a stockpot, combine the lentils with the water. Over high heat, boil the lentils until tender, approximately 20 minutes, skimming the top of the soup as foam builds. (Note: Watch your soup so that it does not boil over).
2. Working in batches, pour soup into a food mill or blender and mill or blend until smooth; work the remaining soup in the same manner.
3. Pour the blended soup into a soup pot and return to medium heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring the pot throughout to ensure you do not burn the solids that may settle to the bottom. 
4. Season to taste. If your soup has thickened too much, add water.
5. Add the lemon juice.
6. Top your soup with pita croutons and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
7. Enjoy!

Recipe for Pita Croutons:

Ingredients:

• 2 Pieces of Whole Wheat or White Pita cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Recipe:

1. Preheat oven to 450° F
2. Combine the bread, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the bread is evenly coated.
3. Spread evenly on a bake sheet.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until the bread has turned golden brown and crispy.