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Test Kitchen Approved

Spiced Tomato & Red Lentil Soup

by Lori Longbotham
One Star Two Stars Three Stars Four Stars Five Stars read reviews (8)

Curry powder and garam masala are both Indian spice blends, which vary in flavor from blend to blend. Experiment to see which you prefer.Serves eight.Yields about 14 cups.

ingredient discovery
Ingredients Madras-style curry powder red lentils garam masala more more
3 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
Kosher salt
2 tsp. Madras curry powder or garam masala
2 quarts lower-salt chicken broth or homemade vegetable broth
Two 14.5-oz. cans petite-diced tomatoes
1 lb. (2-1/3 cups) dried red lentils, picked over, rinsed, and drained
2 medium celery ribs, cut into small dice
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into small dice
2 medium cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne

Heat the oil in a 6-quart (or larger) Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and a generous pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and just starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the curry powder or garam masala and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Add the broth, tomatoes and their juices, lentils, celery, carrot, garlic, cayenne, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently to keep the lentils from sticking; skim any foam as necessary. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the lentils, carrots, and celery are tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Season to taste with salt.

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 320; Fat (g): 8; Fat Calories (kcal): 70; Saturated Fat (g): 1; Protein (g): 22; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 3; Carbohydrates (g): 45; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2.5; Sodium (mg): 480; Cholesterol (mg): 0; Fiber (g): 9;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 96, pp. 83
October 23, 2008

user reviews

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Star Star Star Star Star by NancyFM, 8/22/2010I like what desertbaker said this DOES grow on you. I up the curry powder to a heaping tablespoon and we like it spicy so I double the cayenne too. It keeps getting better so be sure to make it in advance so the lentils have time to melt into the vegetables. This is perfect when you have a house full of family and you can just leave the pot on the stove all day adding water when it gets too thick. It's delicious seriously, we're always sad when it's gone.
Star Star Star Star Star by McFrazzled, 2/11/2010I have never cooked with red lentils before. I rinsed them and let them sit in the collander. This was a mistake as they started to harden. Next time, I'll rinse them right before I'm ready to add them to the soup. I made this with vegetable stock, garam masala (from Whole Foods bulk bins), and only 1/8 tablespoon of cayenne. But I doubled the garlic. This came out mildly spicy, which is all I can handle. My family enjoyed it.
Star Star Star Star Star by Jason123, 11/2/2009This soup was very bland, with no depth of flavour.
Star Star Star Star Star by czburger81, 9/14/2009this was excellent as is.. I used garam marsala and used a fresh chili instead of cayenne and added a few cups of chopped mustard greens.
Star Star Star Star Star by desertbaker, 3/6/2009My family are fans of both lentils and Indian inspired flavors. Made this soup a few weeks ago, and my family said it was okay, but no rave reviews at the time. But I must say, it GROWS on you. Since that first serving it has become something we crave, and has been asked for repeatedly by adults and children alike. Made it with the garam masala. Simple, hearty and nutritious, and most of all, satisfying.
Star Star Star Star Star by SarahShuhart, 1/29/2009I enjoyed this soup, but thought the flavor was a little pointed; needed something to round it out. I also added a can of dark red kidney beans for a little diversity.
Star Star Star Star Star by sej3015, 1/28/2009I used a mix of hot and sweet curry powder, but next time I will use just the hot. But it is a lovely winter soup with a high protein count while being vegetarian. I will definitely make it again.
Star Star Star Star Star by BanjoBoy, 11/10/2008It was a little bland for my likes. I spiced it up with a little green curry paste and it seemed richer and more flavorful. It could have been that my broth was too bland.

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