Chadian-style Lentil Soup

Ingredients

In this Chadian adaptation of the Turkish Mercimek çorbası, we incorporate traditional Chadian spices and flavors to create a unique and authentic dish. The original Turkish recipe is typically seasoned with cumin and paprika, while our Chadian-style lentil soup features spices like ginger, garlic, and chili powder, which are commonly used in Chadian cuisine. Additionally, we use local Chadian vegetables to enhance the flavors and adapt the dish to the target cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Mercimek çorbası, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) red lentils 1 cup (200g) red lentils
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 potato, diced 1 potato, diced
• 1 tomato, diced 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Crusty bread, for serving Crusty bread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 6g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the carrot, potato, and tomato to the pot and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ginger powder, chili powder, ground coriander, and ground cumin, and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
6. 6.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Chadian-style lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and accompanied by crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
• Ginger powder — If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, you can substitute ginger powder with freshly grated ginger.
• Vegetable broth — Use homemade vegetable broth or low-sodium store-bought broth to control the salt content of the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can reserve some cooked lentils and vegetables before blending the soup.
• Serve the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.

Serving advice

Serve the Chadian-style lentil soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness and aroma. Accompany the soup with warm crusty bread for dipping and savoring the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Chadian-style lentil soup, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of each bowl before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve the soup in colorful ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables.