Newari Hlebinska Juha

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the original Croatian Hlebinska juha is transformed into a Newari delight by incorporating traditional Newari spices and flavors. The addition of cumin, coriander, and turmeric infuses the soup with aromatic warmth, while the lentils provide a heartier texture and protein content. These changes give the dish a distinct Newari identity while still maintaining the essence of the original Croatian soup. We alse have the original recipe for Hlebinska juha, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to combine the spices with the onions and garlic.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they soften and release their juices.
5. 5.
   Pour in enough water to cover the tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the rinsed red lentils to the pot. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are cooked and tender.
7. 7.
   Season the soup with salt according to your taste preferences.
8. 8.
   Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
9. 9.
   Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
10. 10.
    Return the soup to the pot and reheat if necessary.
11. 11.
    Serve the Newari Hlebinska Juha hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Rinse the lentils thoroughly before using to remove any impurities or debris.
• Tomatoes — Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chili peppers according to your preference.
• Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more water if desired.
• Serve the soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish the soup with a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra tangy flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the soup to your taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Newari Hlebinska Juha hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color. Serve the soup in beautiful ceramic bowls to enhance its visual appeal.