Num Pang’s Curried Lentil Soup
Warm Up With Num Pang’s Curried Red Lentil Soup: A Flavorful Journey to Cambodia
Looking for a comforting and flavorful soup that’s both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than this incredible Curried Red Lentil Soup, inspired by the delicious flavors of Num Pang Sandwich Shop! This isn’t your average lentil soup; it’s a vibrant, aromatic dish packed with spices and fresh ingredients that will transport your tastebuds to Cambodia.
This recipe beautifully balances warmth from the cumin and coriander with the freshness of ginger, garlic, and cilantro. Red lentils cook down to a creamy texture, creating a naturally thick and hearty soup. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a light lunch, or even meal prepping for the week.
What makes this soup special?
- Authentic Flavors: Inspired by the beloved Cambodian sandwich shop, Num Pang, this soup captures the essence of their vibrant spice blends.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Red lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making this soup a filling and wholesome meal.
- Easy to Make: Despite its complex flavors, this soup is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a starter, a main course, or a comforting side dish.
Tips for the Best Soup:
- Bloom the Spices: Don’t skip the step of toasting the cumin and coriander! This releases their essential oils and intensifies their flavor.
- Finely Chop the Vegetables: The finer the chop, the more seamlessly the flavors will meld together.
- Adjust the Water: Lentils absorb water at different rates. Add more water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different lentils?
A: While red lentils are preferred for their quick cooking time and creamy texture, you can use other types. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more water.
Q: Is this soup spicy?
A: This recipe is mildly spiced. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili flakes.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or a simple rice pilaf. You could also serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lime juice.
Get ready to experience a taste of Cambodia with this delightful Curried Red Lentil Soup! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and healthy dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Num Pang’s Curried Red Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups red lentils
- 1 large carrot
- 1/2 bulb fennel
- 1 onion
- 3 stalks celery
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbs fresh ginger
- 1 tbs ground cumin
- 1 tbs ground coriander
- 1 bunch cilantro stems and leaves separated and finely chopped
- 2 tbs salt
- 1 tbs black pepper
- 2 tbs oil
- 3 quarts water
Instructions
- In a food processor or by hand, finely chop the carrot, fennel, celery, cilantro, garlic and ginger.
- In a large pot, heat the oil and then add the coriander and cumin, stirring to “bloom” or toast the spices until they’re very fragrant, being careful not to let them burn.
- Add the chopped vegetables, then the cilantro stems, and then the red lentils and salt and pepper. Stir to combine, add water to cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. As the lentils absorb the water, add more, until you’ve added all 3 quarts.
- Simmer until lentils go from red to yellow and are completely soft, about 45 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add cilantro leaves (reserving a handful for garnish) and, when cool enough to handle, puree with immersion blender (or in a traditional blender in batches) until smooth, thinning with more water if needed.
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