Lentil soup

bramble1

This may be a stupid question, but do i need to cook my lentils before i make the soup or do they cook in the stock ? I think they cook in the stock, but the packet is very 'pre cook these!!!' i don't know!

jackieglasgow

What kind of lentils are they Bramble? red lentils cook in the soup.

bramble1

they were red, just made my soup for lunches next week! Looks scrummy!

PROLIANT

100g of lentils
50g Whole Wheat Cous Cous
200g of frozen garden peas
2 Veg stock cubes dissolved in 200 ml of boiling water
1 medium onion chopped
1 Desert spoon of black pepper
1 Desert spoon of paprika

Chuck it all in a large pan and cover with boiling water leaving about 2 inches from top of pan, bring to boil for 10mins and simmer for 15.

Result; lush soup, very healthy and really cheap, cost around £1.10 serves 4 good sized bowls - just made it now from trial and no error :-)

Enjoy.

Byatt

Do lentils need to be soaked beforehand?

nuatha

Byatt wrote: »

Do lentils need to be soaked beforehand?

Depends on the lentils. I never soak red lentils, they cook quickly and don't need it. Puy lentils I soak for about half an hour, green and brown lentils I soak for at least 4 hours and generally overnight. And I've just realised I do it that way because that's how my grandmother and mother did, rather than having any scientific explanation for it.
Although soaking is supposed to reduce gastric wind, (I'm not volunteering to change practices, if its right and I don't soak them OH would kill me )

Byatt

nuatha wrote: »

Depends on the lentils. I never soak red lentils, they cook quickly and don't need it. Puy lentils I soak for about half an hour, green and brown lentils I soak for at least 4 hours and generally overnight. And I've just realised I do it that way because that's how my grandmother and mother did, rather than having any scientific explanation for it.
Although soaking is supposed to reduce gastric wind, (I'm not volunteering to change practices, if its right and I don't soak them OH would kill me )

Thanks Nuatha, I did Google, but opinion was divided. :rotfl:

I'm not organised enough to remember to soak, so may try the red lentils. I| haven't used them before but think I've eaten them.

rinabean

I don't bother soaking lentils, but I do rinse them. They cook in 10-20 minutes, less for red. I love lentils!! I've never put couscous in with them before. I will try it next time, thank you

Alison_Funnell

What size was the large pan? My idea of large and yours may vary a lot.

ikkleosu

My Mum's lentil soup is just red lentils (about 250g) & 1 bag of the soup mix (diced carrot and swede). Add water and salt (I use a stock cube). Boil until it's all soft and eat or blend if you fancy it. It's a big hit at the YMCA lunches she does.