Lentil Soup – Linssikeitto

This is a very modern and “new” soup in Finland. It has become popular in the last few years, since people are trying to eat healthier and immigrants brought with them new spices. It is a warming soup with spices like cumin and ginger. It is often eaten for a light lunch. This soup is not chili-hot and is slightly sweet and fits the Finnish taste. It is often served at lunch places.

Ingredients:

1 Large onion

2 Garlic cloves

2 Tablespoon oil

1 Tablespoon grated ginger

2 Teaspoons curcuma

2 Teaspoon cumin

2 Cans of hacked tomatoes (á 400 g)

1 Can of coconut milk (á 400 g) (or light cream)

2 Cubes of vegetable stock or chicken bouillon

8 dl Water                                                        

3 dl Red lentils (uncooked)

2 Potatoes

1 Teaspoon sugar

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Black pepper

Serve with Cottage Cheese and some twigs of flat leaved parsley

Instructions:

Peel and cut the onion and garlic into small pieces. Fry with a bit of oil in a pan. Add ginger, cumin and curcuma.

Add the tomatoes, coconut milk, water and vegetable cubes. Make sure the cubes dissolve properly.

Wash the lentils in a colander in cold water. Peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces. Add them to the soup and cook for 30 minutes. Add sugar, lemon juice and pepper to taste.

If you want, you can create a smooth soup by using a hand blender. I prefer the chunky version. Decorate with flat leave parsley and serve with cottage cheese.