| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 198 | 2.8g | 0.4g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6.5g | 7.9g | 9g | 1.68g |
There’s something truly special about my Snake Gourd and Lentil soup recipe. The way the earthy lentils pair with the subtle sweetness of the snake gourd, encapsulates a cozy warmth, reminiscent of a comforting hug in a bowl. This soup is not only hearty and delicious, but a tribute to the dynamic repertoire of New York City’s culinary influences. Being a native New Yorker, I’ve always found inspiration in the city’s vibrant and diverse food scene, a hallmark attribute that invariably seeps into my creations.
Nutritional Highpoints
This Snake Gourd and Lentil soup recipe is more than just a delectable meal, it’s also packed with health benefits. Lentils are known for their rich protein and fiber content, as well as essential minerals like iron and folate. Snake gourd, on the other hand, is an underestimated superfood, high in antioxidants and full of water which helps in keeping the body hydrated. The addition of aromatic spices like turmeric and cumin not only enhance the flavor profile but provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly NYC winter night, or seeking a nutritiously balanced meal, this soup fits the bill effortlessly.
Diversity in a Bowl
My Snake Gourd and Lentil Soup recipe brings together elements from various cuisines, much like the eclectic mix that one finds in NYC. With its staple ingredients and flavors, this soup could sit comfortably anywhere between an Indian Daal Tadka and a Mediterranean Lentil stew. Its versatility is such that it pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread, rice, or even as a standalone dish. The earthy essence of this soup makes it a perfect companion for a robust salad, or a tangy, fresh bruschetta. Exploring these combinations brings an adventurous element to your meals, creating experiences rather than just serving dishes.
Without a doubt, Snake Gourd and Lentil Soup is more than a recipe for me. It’s a harmonious marriage of flavors and cultures, a salute to the city that nurtures diversity, and a testament to the joy of cooking. I hope that you too will take delight in cooking and savoring this bowl of goodness.
For information about lentils and its abundant health benefits, feel free to check out this article. Also, curious about snake gourd? Here’s an informative piece on its nutritional values and health benefits.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup yellow lentils
- 2 medium snake gourds
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by washing the yellow lentils and soaking them in water for about 30 minutes.
Step Two
In the meantime, prepare the snake gourds. Peel the gourds, cut them lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Then, chop them into small pieces.
Step Three
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the oil and saute until the onion becomes translucent.
Step Four
Add the turmeric, cumin and red chili powder to the pot and stir to mix them with the onions and garlic. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes, until the spices are aromatic.
Step Five
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook them with the onions, garlic and spices until they become soft and the tomatoes release their juice.
Step Six
Drain the lentils and add them to the pot, along with the chopped snake gourds. Stir everything together to combine.
Step Seven
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir. Increase the heat to high to bring the broth to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
Step Eight
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils and snake gourds are cooked through and soft.
Step Nine
Serve the soup hot, garnished with the fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
