RecipesChadChadian Spiced Lentil Soup

Chadian Spiced Lentil Soup

A comforting and aromatic lentil soup, infused with warming spices and often enriched with a touch of tomato and herbs. A staple in Chadian households.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings5
DifficultyEasy
Chadian Spiced Lentil Soup - Chad traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 250 g Red lentils(rinsed)
  • 1 large Onion(chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 200 g Tomatoes(diced or pureed)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1.2 liter Vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Coriander
  • 0.5 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Stir in the diced or pureed tomatoes and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

  4. 4

    Add the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are very soft and have broken down, thickening the soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  6. 6

    Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water.

  7. 7

    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after cooking.
  • Red lentils cook quickly and break down easily, making them ideal for this soup.
  • Adjust the amount of spices to your preference.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
  • Include other vegetables like carrots or celery along with the onions.
  • Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a swirl of olive oil.

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