Scottish Lentil Soup: Cozy Flavor for Cold Days

A robust and nutritious bowl to warm body and soul

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Por

Equipe Receita Solta

Scottish Lentil Soup: Cozy Flavor for Cold Days
Prep Time20 min
Cook Time40 min
Servings6 servings
DifficultyEasy
Calories260 kcal

Resumo para quem tem pressa

"This traditional red lentil broth brings the comfort of winter dishes from the Scottish highlands. With an aromatic mirepoix base, peeled tomatoes, and the softness of lentils cooked until they dissolve into a thick broth, it's a nutritious meal to warm cold nights."

Discover the authentic Scottish Lentil Soup, a comforting and flavor-packed recipe, perfect for cold days. Com vegetais frescos e a opção de presunto defumado, é um clássico que nutre e satisfaz.

O Que Você Precisa Saber

- Red lentils naturally break down during prolonged cooking, thickening the broth without needing starches or thickeners. - The initial generous sauté of carrot, celery, and onion cubes in olive oil builds the sweet aromatic base of the broth. - The optional addition of smoked pork leg or fried bacon at the beginning brings intense smoky notes that characterize the typical dish.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 250 g Red lentils
  • 1.5 liters Vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 unit (medium), finely diced Cenoura
  • 1 stem, chopped into small cubes Aipo
  • 1 unit (medium), chopped Cebola
  • 2 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 400 g (1 can), coarsely chopped Peeled tomatoes
  • 1 unit Bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
  • a taste Sea salt
  • a taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • a taste, chopped (for finishing) Fresh parsley
  • 200 g, pre-cooked and shredded OR bacon cubes: 100g Optional: Smoked ham hock

Instructions

Instructions

1

<h3>1. Prepare the Aromatics</h3><p>Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.</p>

2

<h3>2. Add the Garlic and Optional Ingredients</h3><p>Add the minced garlic and, if using, the shredded smoked pork shoulder or bacon cubes. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the smoky aroma intensifies or the bacon browns.</p>

3

<h3>3. Add the Lentils and Tomato</h3><p>Add the red lentils (washed and drained), chopped canned tomatoes, and the bay leaf. Mix well to combine all ingredients in the pot.</p>

4

<h3>4. Cook the Broth</h3><p>Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat, partially covering the pot.</p>

5

<h3>5. Simmer and Adjust</h3><p>Cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are very soft and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom. The short answer is: the cooking time is crucial for the texture.</p>

6

<h3>6. Finish and Serve</h3><p>Remove the bay leaf. Ajuste os temperos, se necessário. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. The secret to this recipe is the simplicity of the ingredients combined with good cooking.</p>

Equipe sua Cozinha

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COMPRAR INGREDIENTES

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Chef Tips

- Wash the red lentils in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear to eliminate any residual dust. - Keep the heat low and stir the pot every 10 minutes at the end of preparation, as the broken lentils tend to settle at the bottom. - Adjust the final thickness with a little more vegetable broth or boiling water if you prefer a more fluid soup consistency.

Variations

- Add small cubes of potato or sweet potato along with the vegetables to enrich the starch content and rustic texture. - Add torn collard green leaves or fresh spinach in the last 5 minutes of boiling to bring green color to the reddish broth. - Sprinkle a pinch of grated nutmeg and lemon zest when finishing the dish for an aromatic lift.

Substitutions

- Red lentils can be substituted with yellow lentils or dried split peas (adding 15 minutes of boiling time). - Celery can be replaced by thinly sliced leeks or chopped fresh parsley stalks in the initial sauté. - Vegetable broth can be replaced by homemade beef broth or free-range chicken broth for a denser flavor.

How to Store

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because it thickens considerably when cooling, add boiling water when reheating.

Can You Freeze It?

Congele em porções individuais em recipientes com espaço para expansão por até 3 meses. Descongele direto na panela em fogo baixo.

What to Serve With

Serve with thick slices of rye bread or Scottish soda bread with good quality butter and aged cheddar cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soak red lentils before cooking?

Não é necessário; red lentils do not have a tough outer skin and cook completely in about 25 to 30 minutes of boiling.

How do I turn this broth into a completely smooth cream?

Simply use an immersion blender directly in the pot or blend in a blender after removing the bay leaves from the cooking liquid.

Can I make a 100% vegetarian version without losing the characteristic flavor?

Yes, simply omit the pork shank and use homemade vegetable broth with a pinch of smoked paprika to provide the smoky touch.

Why do red lentils lose their bright orange color when cooked?

The heat-sensitive carotenoid pigments break down with boiling, and the released starch gives the broth a matte golden-yellow hue.

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