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RED LENTIL SOUP

I love a good bowl of soup, and this is definitely my go-to recipe. If there’s a little nip in the air, you’re feeling under the weather, you need something hearty for your tummy, or maybe you’re celebrating Soup Saturday, well, this recipe is for you! Welcome back to the kitchen, where today we’re diving into a delightful dish that warms both the heart and the soul: a hearty lentil soup with chicken feet and vibrant vegetables. This recipe is a celebration of comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for those chilly evenings when all you crave is something nourishing.

The combination of red lentils, sweet potatoes, and fresh herbs creates a rich, satisfying broth, while the addition of dumplings brings a delightful texture to each spoonful. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy family meal or impress guests with something unique, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking.

INGREDIENT DETAILS

  1. Red Lentils (300g): Small legumes that cook quickly and become soft. Rinse before use.
  2. Chicken Feet (1/2 lb): Adds flavor and collagen. Clean thoroughly, by removing toenails, yellow covering and washing well with water mixed with vinegar or lime.
  3. Smoked Bones or Ham (6-7 pieces, optional): Adds smoky flavor. Use whole or cut into pieces.
  4. Maggi Soup Mix (1 pk): Flavor enhancer. Use as directed on the package.
  5. Sweet Potato (1 medium): Sweet root vegetable. Peel and dice.
  6. Okra (5 pieces): Adds texture and flavor. Wash and slice.
  7. Carrot (1 medium): Crunchy vegetable. Peel and slice.
  8. Onion (1 small to medium): Adds depth. Peel and slice.
  9. Turmeric (1/2 tsp): Earthy spice. Use as is.
  10. Green Seasoning (3 tbsp): Fresh herb blend. Use pre-made or homemade.
  11. Pimento (3 pieces): Warm spice. Chop if fresh; otherwise, use whole.
  12. Garlic (5 cloves): Adds flavor. Mince or crush.
  13. Thyme (a few sprigs): Aromatic herb. Rinse and use fresh.
  14. Hot Pepper (to taste): Adds heat. Wash and chop.
  15. Water (2 liters): Base for the soup. Use fresh.
  16. Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings.

For Dumplings

  1. Flour (2 1/2 cups): All-purpose flour for dumplings. Measure out.
  2. Water (3/4 cup): Hydrates the flour. Use fresh.
  3. Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances flavor. Mix into the flour.

INGREDIENT & ALTERNATIVES

  1. Red Lentils (300g)
  • Alternative: Yellow lentils or split peas (note that cooking times may vary).
  1. Chicken Feet (1/2 lb)
  • Alternative: Any meat of your choosing.
  1. Smoked Bones or Ham (6-7 pieces, optional)
  • Alternative: Bacon, smoked turkey, or vegetarian smoked sausage.
  1. Maggi Soup Mix (1 pk)
  • Alternative: Any vegetable or chicken broth powder or homemade seasoning blend.
  1. Sweet Potato (1 medium)
  • Alternative: Regular potatoes or butternut squash.
  1. Okra (5 pieces)
  • Alternative: Green beans or zucchini (note that texture will differ).
  1. Carrot (1 medium)
  • Alternative: Parsnips or bell peppers.
  1. Onion (1 small to medium)
  • Alternative: Shallots or leeks.
  1. Turmeric (1/2 tsp)
  • Alternative: saffron (for color).
  1. Green Seasoning (3 tbsp)
    • Alternative: A mix of fresh herbs (like parsley, cilantro, and basil) or store-bought herb blends.
  2. Pimento (3 pieces)
    • Alternative: Ground allspice or a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg mix.
  3. Garlic (5 cloves)
    • Alternative: Garlic powder (use about 1-2 teaspoons) or shallots.
  4. Thyme (a few sprigs)
    • Alternative: Oregano or rosemary.
  5. Hot Pepper (to taste)
    • Alternative: Red pepper flakes or black pepper for heat (less heat intensity).
  6. Water (2 liters)
    • Alternative: Vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor.
  7. Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
    • Alternative: Sea salt or flavored salts (like garlic salt) and white pepper.

For Dumplings

  1. Flour (2 1/2 cups)
  • Alternative: Whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend.
  1. Water (3/4 cup)
  • Alternative: Chicken or vegetable broth for flavor.
  1. Salt (1/4 tsp)
  • Alternative: Sea salt or flavored salt.

Feel free to mix and match these alternatives based on availability or dietary preferences.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 70 mins
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Courses:
Servings: 8
Description

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful lentil soup, featuring yummy chicken feet and a medley of vibrant veges. Infused with aromatic spices like turmeric and green seasoning, this dish is complemented by smoky pork bones and fresh herbs. As a delightful addition, homemade dumplings simmer to perfection in the rich broth, creating a satisfying, comforting meal. Perfect for cozy evenings, this soup is both nourishing and delicious, making it a great choice for any occasion. Enjoy it hot and savor the warm, comforting flavors.

Ingredients
  • 1 pk 1 Red Lentils 300g (washed)
  • 1/2 lb Chicken Feet (cleaned)
  • 6 pieces 6-7 Smoked Bones or Ham (optional)
  • 1 pk Maggi Soup mix
  • 1 med Sweet Potato (peeled & diced)
  • 5 Ochroes (cut into slices)
  • 1 med Carrot (cut into slices)
  • 1 small-med Onion (sliced)
  • 1/2 tsp Tumeric
  • 3 tbsps Green Seasoning
  • 3 Pimento (rrouugh chopped)
  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • Few Sprigs Thyme
  • Hot Pepper
  • 2 Litres Water
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • For Dumplings
  • 2 1/2 cup Flour
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
  1. 1
    ●Add chicken feet to mixing bowl along with green seasoning, 1 tsp black pepper and salt, mix well and set aside to marinate at room temp.
  2. 2
    ●Add lentils to a med to large saucepan with 1 liter of water on high heat and bring to a boil. Cook for approximately 20 mins or until peas are so soft they're breaking up.
  3. 3
    ●To cooked lentils add seasoned chicken feet, sweet potato, smoked bones and tumeric and 1/2 litre of remaining water and stir well
  4. 4
    ●Cook on med-high heat for 20 mins or until potatoes have softened but are still a bit firm when pierced with fork.
  5. 5
    ●Then add carrots, ochroes, onions, garlic, pimento, Maggi soup mix, thyme and hot pepper and cook for a further 15 mins on med heat.
  6. 6
    ●Begin making your dumplings by mixing your  flour, water and salt form a firm ball with dough.
  7. 7
    ●Cut dough into 4- 5 pieces and roll each piece into a log shape and cut into several more pieces, add pieces of dough to soup and then add remaining 1/2 litre of water if necessary (you can add more or less depending on how thick you like your soup)
  8. 8
    ●Allow soup to simmer for 15 more mins uncovered on low heat season with more salt and black pepper to taste, remove from heat and serve hot.
Note
  1. Ingredient Prep:
  • Ensure all vegetables are prepped before starting to cook. This makes the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
  1. Lentil Cooking:
  • Red lentils cook quickly and can become mushy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking if you prefer some texture.
  1. Chicken Feet:
  • If you’re not familiar with cooking chicken feet, remember they can be gelatinous. They add richness and depth to the broth.
  1. Adjusting Thickness:
  • The amount of water can be adjusted based on your desired soup consistency. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed.
  1. Cooking Dumplings:
  • Dumplings should be added to the soup raw. They will cook in the broth and absorb some of the flavors.
  1. Spice Level:
  • Adjust the amount of hot pepper according to your heat preference. You can always start with less and add more later.
  1. Storage:
  • Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after sitting. Reheat gently on the stove.
  1. Substitutions:
    • Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Seasonal vegetables can add different flavors and textures.
Keywords: soup, red lentils, split peas, chicken feet, chicken soup, dumplings, smoked bones soup,
Read it online: https://teriball.maktechgroups.com/recipe/red-lentil-soup/