Turkish Red Lentil Soup with Mint

Ingredients and Weight:

• Red lentils: 2 cups (400 grams)
• Mint leaves: 1/4 cup (fresh, roughly chopped)
• Vegetable broth: 6 cups (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, crushed
• Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onions. Saute until softened.
2. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the red lentils and reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until the lentils are cooked and the soup is thickened.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and ground cumin (if using).
7. Stir in the fresh mint leaves and cook for another 5 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves on top.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 250 per serving (depending on the amount of oil used)
• Protein: 16 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Fat: 7 grams (mainly unsaturated)
• Carbohydrates: 36 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy, with a hint of mint flavor that cuts through the richness.
• A comforting and hearty soup that pairs well with grilled meats or vegetables.
• Can be easily customized by adding other spices or herbs like coriander or chili flakes.

User Comments:

1. "This soup was delicious! The mint flavor was a nice surprise." - John Doe, New York
2. "I made this for a dinner party and it was a hit! The texture of the lentils was perfect." - Jane Smith, San Francisco
3. "I added some chili flakes for a kick of heat, turned out great!" - Michael Johnson, Chicago

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh mint for best flavor. If fresh mint is not available, dried mint can be used but the flavor will be more subtle.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste. This soup is one that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes.
• Lentils may thicken the soup significantly as they cook, so add broth or water if necessary to adjust the texture.