Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe – A Healthy Choice for Winter!
Hark! List to me, good people, for I bringeth thee a recipe that shall warm thy soul in the coldest of winters and satisfy thy palate like no other. I present to thee my Lentil Soup with Red Yeast Rice Recipe.
As a chef, I have traveled far and wide to master the art of cooking. From the bustling streets of Hong Kong to the sun-kissed shores of Brazil, I have tasted flavors that have inspired me to create this delectable dish. Lentil soup is one of my all-time favorites, and with a touch of red yeast rice, it becomes a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
This soup is not just any ordinary soup, dear friends. Nay! This lentil soup is packed full of nourishing ingredients that will do wonders for your body. Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals such as iron and potassium. Red yeast rice is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties and is a great source of antioxidants.
What’s more, this recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a vegan or gluten-free diet. It can also be easily customized to suit your taste buds – add more spice if you like it hot, or top with some crispy bacon for a savory twist.
So come, let us journey together into the realm of lentil soup perfection. Follow my lead and allow me to introduce you to a dish that will become a staple in your kitchen for years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Good people! Allow me to share with you a recipe that will delight your senses and nourish your soul. Are you searching for a simple yet satisfying meal that will both comfort and uplift you? Look no further than this lentil soup recipe!
Firstly, it is a wholesome and hearty dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Secondly, its ingredients are affordable, readily available, and good for you. The lentils are packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins that will give your body the nutrients it needs to function at its best. Moreover, this recipe uses red yeast rice, which offers numerous health benefits such as managing cholesterol levels and improving digestion.
Thirdly, this recipe is versatile and easily adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary requirements. Are you vegan or gluten-free? Simply swap out the beef bouillon cubes for vegetable bouillon cubes or use olive oil instead of butter.
Fourthly, this lentil soup recipe offers a comforting appeal like no other soup recipes. A few simple ingredients simmered together can provide an excellent source of energy and provide relief from anxiety in distressing times. This soup can also serve as a fantastic backdrop to create unique variations such as adding broccoli for low calorie soup, wild rice for creamy lentil stew, or even chorizo to combine strong flavors from different cultures.
Lastly, but undoubtedly not least important – this recipe is easy to make yet remains impressive in taste and presentation. Impress your guests with minimal efforts while staying on top of nutrition intake.
Therefore I urge you all to give this Lentil Soup with Red Yeast Rice Recipe a try; it is guaranteed to become your new go-to comfort meal!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make a delicious pot of Lentil Soup with Red Yeast Rice:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 4 cups water
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Red Yeast Rice:
- 1 cup dry red yeast rice (rice used for red yeast rice)
- Water as needed
Note: You can also use vegetable bouillon cubes to make this soup vegan. You can also use green lentils or a combination of green and red lentils. Brown rice can be swapped with wild rice, or any other grain you prefer.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for added freshness and flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Lentil Soup with Red Yeast Rice
Follow these simple steps to make a heartwarming bowl of lentil soup with red yeast rice that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Step 1: Rinse the Lentils
To start, rinse the 1 cup of lentils well in cold water and drain them.
Step 2: Chopping and Cooking the Vegetables
Then in a large pot, heat up 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until they become tender – this should take around 5-7 minutes.
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
### Step 3: Adding Lentils and Red Yeast Rice
Pour in the rinsed lentils into the pot, followed by 1 cup of red yeast rice. Mix everything thoroughly before adding 4 cups of water and 2 beef bouillon cubes.
Step 4: Boil and Simmer
Bring the mixture to boil then reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer for approximately 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally until both the lentils and rice have become tender.
Step 5: Adding Fresh Parsley and Serving the Soup
Once everything has simmered together nicely, add chopped fresh parsley on top of your lentil soup with red yeast rice. The dish is now ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
Hear ye, hear ye! If thou art adventurous with thy cooking and desire to explore different flavor combinations, do not shy away from making substitutions and variations to this recipe!
First and foremost, thou may substitute red yeast rice with brown rice or wild rice. This will give the soup a heartier texture and earthier flavor. Additionally, thou mayest choose between green and brown lentils depending on thy personal preference. Green lentils hold their shape better, while brown lentils become softer and creamier when cooked.
For those who shun meat, I say unto thee that this recipe may easily convert to a vegan or vegetarian delight by using vegetable bouillon cubes instead of beef ones, and substituting olive oil in place of animal fats. To make it even more indulgent, stir in some broccoli or nutritional yeast for added richness.
If thy pot overfloweth with lentils, try mixing different types of lentils together for added variety or perhaps venture into making dal soup – a popular Indian dish made with lentils and spices.
Lastly, if thou art counting calories, fear not! This soup is already low fat and low calorie. If thou hast special dietary needs, check out recipes from Minimalist Baker for suggestions on how to make this soup even lower in fat or calories.
Go forth and let thy creativity run wild in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Do not feast alone, for this soup shall be shared with company. When serving, I recommend garnishing the soup with fresh parsley leaves or a dollop of yogurt to balance the richness of the lentils and red yeast rice. This will also add a touch of color for an eye-pleasing presentation.
As for pairing, this lentil soup with red yeast rice recipe pairs well with a crusty bread like sourdough or baguette. The sturdy nature of the bread will hold up to the thick, hearty nature of the soup. If you want to add a little extra crunch to your meal, you can also pair it with some crisp crudité vegetables like sliced carrots, celery and broccoli.
For those seeking a low-carb option, try swapping out the bread for a cauliflower rice pilaf. The mild flavor will not overpower the bold taste of the lentil and yeast soup.
As an alternative drink, I recommend sipping on some iced-tea or a mint-infused water as both drinks help cleanse your palate after each bite of piping-hot soup. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy! This lentil and red yeast soup is nutritious and flavorful enough to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Art thou looking to prepare this lentil soup ahead of time, or store leftovers for future enjoyment? Fear not, for I have thee covered with instructions for make-ahead, storing and reheating.
To make-ahead, cook the lentil soup as instructed and let it cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the soup into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat the soup from the fridge, simply transfer desired amount to a saucepan and heat over low-medium heat until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as instructed before.
If thou desires a creamier consistency to thy soup, thou may add a splash of milk or cream while reheating. Alternatively, if thou finds thine soup too thick after reheating, feel free to add some water to achieve thine desired consistency.
This hearty soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread or steamed rice on a chilly evening. So go ahead and make an extra batch and savor the flavors of lentils and red yeast rice any day of the week!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to creating the perfect lentil soup with red yeast rice, there are a few tips and tricks that I have up my sleeve. These tips will help you achieve the highest level of flavor and texture in every bowl of soup that you make. So, take note and follow these suggestions to get impeccable results every time.
Firstly, before you start cooking your lentils, it is essential to give them a good rinse under cold water. This helps to remove any debris and impurities that may be present on them. Also, make sure to check for any small stones or unwanted shrivelled lentils.
Secondly, do not add any salt to your soup until the very end. Adding salt too early in the cooking process can result in tough lentils that never seem to soften enough. I recommend waiting until the last 10-15 minutes of cooking before adding salt so that the lentils can cook perfectly.
Thirdly, when it comes to using red yeast rice as an ingredient, I highly recommend following the instructions on the package carefully. This ensures that your red yeast rice is cooked correctly and adds that distinct flavor into your lentil soup.
Fourthly, for a richer flavor in your soup, try using two different types of lentils – green and red/brown. The green lentils hold their shape better and provide a nutty taste while the red/brown lentils disintegrate during cooking, creating a thick base that helps to bind the soup together.
Finally, if you want a vegan or vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe, swap out the beef bouillon cubes for vegetable broth or use nutritional yeast instead as an alternative flavor enhancer.
By incorporating these tips into your recipe preparation step-by-step, your final product will be well cooked with outstanding smell and flavors.
FAQ
Hark! Ere thou cooketh thy lentil soup with red yeast rice recipe, prithee pay heed to these frequently asked queries. Forsooth, these queries shall provide thee with further instructions and tips on how to achieve the most scrumptious and savory lentil soup with red yeast rice imaginable. Be at ease, dear reader, for our aim is to make thine cooking experience as smooth and simple as possible.
What is the difference between red rice and red yeast rice?
Red yeast rice is a product that results from fermenting red rice with a specific type of yeast known as Monascus purpureus. This rice is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine due to its ability to enhance digestion, improve blood circulation and lower cholesterol levels. This is attributed to the presence of chemicals that have similarities to statin medications prescribed by doctors.
What is red yeast rice used for in cooking?
A common ingredient known as red yeast rice is utilized for its coloring abilities in various dishes like pickled tofu, red rice vinegar, Chinese pastries, and popular dishes like char siu and Peking duck.
Is lentil soup good for your heart?
Lentils offer a bundle of health benefits owing to their abundance of fibre, folate and potassium. By incorporating them in your diet, you can aid your heart and regulate your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Additionally, they can also provide a boost of iron and vitamin B1 that can sustain a healthy heartbeat.
How do you use red rice yeast powder?
It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the ideal dosage of red yeast rice for a particular ailment. Typically, adults take this supplement orally in 600 mg increments, twice a day, for a maximum of 4.5 years.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this lentil soup with red yeast rice recipe is the perfect addition to your meal planning. Whether you’re looking for a hearty vegan option or a low-calorie soup to satisfy your craving, this recipe has got you covered. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a wholesome and delicious soup that will impress all of your dinner guests.
The recipe is not only easy to follow but also allows for customization and variation, so you can tailor it to your taste preference. Additionally, it can be made ahead and stored for later, which makes it great for meal prepping or as leftovers.
Finally, I want to encourage you to consider adding this recipe to your repertoire. Not only is it a nutritious dish packed with protein and fiber, but it’s also versatile enough to be used in various meals. From lentil stews to broccoli soups, lentils are an ingredient that can work in many recipes.
So go ahead and give it a try! Prepare some lentil soup with red yeast rice on a lazy Sunday afternoon and savor every last spoonful. Trust me; this soup will warm up your heart and soul, and you’ll love every bit of it.
Lentil Soup With Red Yeast Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 4 cups water
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 small chopped onion
- 1 -2 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 -5 sprigs fresh parsley
- 1 cup red yeast rice
- 2 cups water
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and then soak the lentils in enough water to cover for at least 20 minutes. Drain off and rinse.
- Put lentils into a saucepan with water for cooking.
- Add the other ingredients, except for the parsley, to the sauce pan.
- Cook until the lentils are tender which takes about 30 minutes.
- Cool and put into a blender to combine.
- Add fresh parsley and blend.
- Add water to taste.
- Rinse rice and cook in a saucepan with 2 cups water for about 25 minutes.
- Place a generous scoop of rice into a soup bowl and pour the lentil soup over it. Serve immediately.