Hungarian Soup

This recipe offers a delightful way to prepare German lentil soup, a hearty and wholesome dish. German lentils are known for their rich, earthy flavor and ability to absorb other flavors, making them an excellent choice for soups. The addition of diced potatoes and a touch of lemon juice or reduced vinegar provides a unique twist to this classic recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of German lentils
• 2 cups of cold water or vegetable stock
• 6 cups of hot water or stock
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of flour
• 1 clove of garlic
• ½ cup of diced potatoes
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or reduced vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. BOIL LENTILS: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of German lentils with 2 cups of cold water or vegetable stock. Let the lentils boil for an hour. If the water is absorbed before the lentils become tender, add a little more water as needed.
2. ADD HOT WATER OR STOCK: After an hour, pour 6 cups of hot water or stock over the lentils.
3. SAUTÉ ONION AND GARLIC: In a frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped small onion and 1 clove of garlic to the melted butter. Sauté until the onion becomes browned.
4. ADD ONION MIXTURE AND POTATOES: Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the soup. At the same time, put in ½ cup of diced potatoes.
5. SIMMER: Let the soup simmer gently for half an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6. PRESS THROUGH A SIEVE: After simmering, press the soup through a sieve. This step helps achieve a smoother and creamier consistency.
7. SEASON: Return the soup to the heat and season it well with salt and pepper according to your taste.
8. ADD LEMON JUICE OR REDUCED VINEGAR: Just before serving, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or reduced vinegar to the soup for a delightful tangy flavor.

TIPS:

• Lentil Varieties: While this recipe specifically calls for German lentils, you can experiment with other lentil varieties such as brown, green, or red lentils to suit your taste. Each type of lentil has its distinct flavor and texture.
• Sieve for Smoothness: Pressing the soup through a sieve after simmering is essential for achieving a velvety smooth texture. This step also helps remove any remaining onion and garlic pieces, ensuring a refined consistency.
• Season to Taste: Lentils are versatile and pair well with various seasonings. Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice or vinegar quantities according to your preference.
• Garnish: Consider garnishing the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Serve Warm: German lentil soup is best enjoyed warm and can be served as an appetizer or a hearty main course. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

This German lentil soup recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you savor it on a chilly day or as a comforting meal throughout the year, its robust taste and creamy consistency will leave you craving more.