Indian Chinese Bessara

Ingredients

In the original Moroccan Bessara, the soup is traditionally flavored with cumin, garlic, and olive oil. However, in this Indian Chinese adaptation, we incorporate Indian Chinese spices such as ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and chili sauce to give the soup a spicy and tangy flavor. This fusion version adds an exciting twist to the traditional Bessara, infusing it with the bold and vibrant flavors of Indian Chinese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Bessara, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) red lentils 1 cup (200g) red lentils
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the red lentils thoroughly and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   Add the red lentils, vegetable broth, soy sauce, chili sauce, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
6. 6.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Indian Chinese Bessara hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
• Soy sauce — Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to reduce the salt content of the dish.
• Chili sauce — Adjust the amount of chili sauce according to your spice preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cream to the soup.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili sauce according to your taste.
• Serve the soup with some crispy noodles or fried rice for a complete Indian Chinese meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Indian Chinese Bessara as a starter or a main course. It pairs well with crusty bread or steamed rice.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of paprika and a few fresh cilantro leaves for an appealing presentation.