Best Apricot Lentil Soup With Eggplant Recipes

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APRICOT LENTIL SOUP



Apricot Lentil Soup image

Lentil soup with a sweet-tangy twist. This is great with a warm piece of black bread slathered with creamy butter.

Provided by Karena

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Fruit Soup Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup dried apricots
1 ½ cups red lentils
5 cups chicken stock
3 roma (plum) tomatoes - peeled, seeded and chopped
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried thyme
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Steps:

  • Saute onion, garlic, and apricots in olive oil. Add lentils and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.
  • Stir in tomatoes, and season with cumin, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in lemon juice. Puree 1/2 of the soup in a blender, then return to the pot. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263.2 calories, Carbohydrate 37.2 g, Fat 7.4 g, Fiber 16 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 6.6 mg, Sugar 6.6 g

CROCK POT LENTIL AND APRICOT SOUP



Crock Pot Lentil and Apricot Soup image

This recipe is the crock pot adaptation of Mrs Falafel's Lentil and Apricot Soup from the alt.food.vegan newsgroup. It must be one of the most popular recipes ever to come up in that group and it is also superb and even easier in the crock pot. I throw it all together before work and eat it about 8 hours later. The apricots mush down and all it needs is a quick stir before serving. PS. Auto setting on my crockpot is one hour on high and then the rest on low.

Provided by Missy Wombat

Categories     Lentil

Time 8h5m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup red lentil
1 onion, diced
1 teaspoon oil
1 garlic clove, finely diced
4 1/3 cups water or 4 1/3 cups stock
2 slices fresh ginger, thin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin seed, ground
1 teaspoon coriander seed, ground
1 pinch chili powder or 1 pinch chili flakes, to taste
1/4 cup dried apricot
lemon juice or lemon salt, to taste
salt and pepper
chopped cilantro, to taste, for garnish

Steps:

  • Wash and drain lentils.
  • Chop up everything that requires chopping and throw the lot in the crock pot.
  • Cook on the AUTO setting of the crock pot Garnish with cilantro when serving.
  • Really nice with crusty bread!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 216.8, Fat 2.7, SaturatedFat 0.4, Sodium 40, Carbohydrate 37.9, Fiber 7.1, Sugar 5.7, Protein 13

RED LENTIL AND APRICOT SOUP



Red Lentil and Apricot Soup image

From the Essential Best Foods Cookbook: Recipes Featuring the Healthiest and Most Delicious Foods. Add an Indian flourish by swirling in cumin seeds sizzled briefly in hot oil. You can use additional chopped cilantro if you prefer to keep it practically fat free.

Provided by FLKeysJen

Categories     Lentil

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup red lentil, picked over and rinsed
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup canned diced tomato
1/2 cup chopped dried apricot
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/3 cup cilantro leaf, chopped
salt
pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon whole cumin seed
1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses or 1 teaspoon pomegranate juice, concentrate

Steps:

  • In a large deep saucepan, combine the lentils, onion, tomatoes with their liquid, apricots, ginger, garlic, garam masala and turmeric. Add four cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the lentils are soft, about 30 minutes. Mix in the cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Mix in the cumin and cook, stirring, until the oil is bubbling and the seeds start to darken in color, about two minutes. Immediately, off the heat, mix in the pomegranate molasses or juice concentrate. Take care, as it will splatter.
  • Divide the soup among four deep soup bowls. Drizzle on the cumin mixture and serve.

APRICOT LENTIL SOUP



Apricot Lentil Soup image

This Armenian soup has been my stand-by cold weather soup for as long as I remember! It's rich and flavorful, sweet (but not too sweet) and tangy; perfect for a cold winter's night. It freezes extremely well, too, and is actually pretty tasty served cold (esp. if you puree it completely). A very versatile dish, and so quick and easy to make!

Provided by velorutionista

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, sliced vertically
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup dried apricot, diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (may use 1 tsp. dried)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (may use 1 tsp. dried)
4 cups vegetable stock
1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups red lentils, picked over, rinsed, and drained

Steps:

  • Heat oil in soup pot over medium low heat. Add onion and garlic; saute till onion is just turning translucent and golden.
  • Add apricots and cook, stirring constantly (do not let them burn!) till softened and shiny and just beginning to brown, about 4 minutes.
  • Add cumin, nutmeg, oregano, and thyme and cook, stirring, a minute or so (until spices are evenly distributed and fragrant).
  • Add stock, tomatoes, and lentils; stir till well combined. Bring to a boil, reduce flame and simmer for 40 minutes (till lentils are very tender).
  • Just before serving, puree soup (an immersion blender works best). Garnish each serving with a lemon wedge, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprig of thyme, if desired.

TSIRANI VOSP APUR (ARMENIAN APRICOT AND LENTIL SOUP)



Tsirani Vosp Apur (Armenian Apricot and Lentil Soup) image

This soup is best made with fresh apricots, available at farmers' markets and grocery stores for a few precious weeks in the summer. But when fresh are not in season, Marina Sarukhanyan of Silk Apron Catering, who makes it year-round for her customers, suggests using bright-orange unsulfured apricots, not the dark ones. She usually gets hers from Iranian food stores, but you may be able to find them in Middle Eastern, Armenian or Russian shops as well. Make sure to drizzle the soup with tart pomegranate syrup, which contrasts with the apricots in a lovely way.

Provided by Joan Nathan

Categories     lunch, soups and stews, main course

Time 1h35m

Yield 4 servings (about 7 1/2 cups)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups roughly chopped fresh apricots (about 7 ounces, from 2 large or 4 small apricots), or 1 cup sugar-free, unsulfured dried apricots
2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
1 medium tomato or 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
5 to 6 cups vegetable broth
2 cups red, orange or yellow split lentils, rinsed
2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced, plus more if desired
Pomegranate syrup, for drizzling

Steps:

  • If using dried apricots, at least 40 minutes before cooking, cut them into quarters, soak in warm water to cover, then drain and set aside. (This can be done up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before using.)
  • Warm the oil in a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat. Add the onion, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring often, until the onion begins to turn golden at the edges, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring frequently.
  • Pour 5 cups of the vegetable broth into the pot, scraping any stuck-on bits from the bottom, and bring to a boil. Add the lentils, cover, and reduce the heat to maintain a strong simmer. Cook, stirring once or twice, until the lentils are soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Stir in 1 more cup of broth if the soup is too thick, then add the carrots, apricots and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and season with pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring to a boil again, then reduce the heat and simmer, partly covered and stirring once or twice, for 10 minutes, or until the carrots are as cooked as you'd like.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, then taste. If it's not sour enough, add a little more, and adjust for salt and pepper.
  • Ladle into bowls and serve warm, with pomegranate syrup drizzled over the top.

ARMENIAN APRICOT SOUP



Armenian Apricot Soup image

Categories     Apricot

Yield serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup dried lentils
6 cups water
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup dried apricots
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup Greek-style yogurt or sour cream, for garnish
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, for garnish

Steps:

  • Wash the lentils thoroughly, being sure to remove any small stones or dirt, and place them, along with the water, in the slow cooker insert. Add the onion, carrots, cumin, and apricots.
  • Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • If you wish, you can purée some or all of the soup, or leave it just as it is. In any case, garnish it with a dollop of the yogurt and a sprinkling of the mint.
  • Suggested Beverage
  • I think I would prefer a spicy, aromatic white wine, such as Gewürztraminer, well chilled, with this dish.

Apricot lentil soup with eggplant is a delicious and hearty vegetarian soup that is perfect for warming you up on cold days. It is a nutritious and flavorful soup that is easy to prepare and can be served as a main course, starter, or side dish. This soup combines the earthy flavor of lentils with the sweetness of apricots and the smokiness of eggplant to create a delightful balance of flavors.

The Ingredients

To make this soup, you will need the following ingredients:
  • Lentils: Lentils are a versatile, nutrient-rich ingredient that make an excellent base for this soup. They are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and folate. You can use any type of lentil for this recipe, but brown or green lentils work best as they hold their shape well during cooking.
  • Apricots: Dried apricots are used in this soup to add a sweet, fruity flavor. They also add a natural sweetness without the need for added sugar. Apricots are a good source of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
  • Eggplant: Eggplant adds a smoky flavor and a silky texture to this soup. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
  • Onion: Onion adds flavor and depth to the soup.
  • Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent flavor and has many health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Cumin: Cumin is a spice that adds a smoky, earthy flavor to the soup. It also has many health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.
  • Vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is used as the base of the soup. It adds a savory flavor and makes the soup more filling.
  • Olive oil: Olive oil is used for cooking the eggplant and onion. It adds a rich, fruity flavor to the soup.
  • Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a tangy flavor and brightens up the soup.
  • Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are used to season the soup to taste.

The Recipe

To make apricot lentil soup with eggplant, follow these steps:
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Add 1 cup of brown or green lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 cup of chopped dried apricots to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
  4. While the lentils are cooking, prepare the eggplant. Cut 1 large eggplant into small cubes and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat dry with paper towels.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden brown.
  6. Add the cooked eggplant to the soup and stir to combine.
  7. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, if desired.

Conclusion

Apricot lentil soup with eggplant is a delicious and healthy soup that is perfect for any occasion. It is nutritious, filling, and bursting with flavor. This recipe is easy to prepare and is a great way to get more plant-based protein and fiber into your diet. Whether served as a main course, starter, or side dish, this soup is sure to impress.
Apricot Lentil Soup with Eggplant is a hearty, healthy, and delectable soup loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, while eggplants offer a unique texture and flavor to this soup. Combining these two ingredients with apricots creates an aromatic and wholesome soup that can be enjoyed year-round. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips to make an outstanding Apricot Lentil Soup with Eggplant.

Tip #1: Soak Lentils

When preparing lentil soup, it is essential to soak the lentils for at least an hour before cooking. Soaking the lentils softens them, reduces cooking time, and aids in digestion. Soaking also removes some of the antinutrients present in lentils, making them easier to digest. Rinse the lentils with water, add them to a bowl, and cover them with water for 1 to 4 hours. Drain them before adding them to the soup.

Tip #2: Choose the Right Eggplant

Eggplants come in different shapes, sizes, and shades. When making Apricot Lentil Soup with Eggplant, you should choose an eggplant that is firm, smooth, and shiny with no soft spots, wrinkles, or blemishes. The eggplant should also feel heavy for its size, which indicates that it is fresh and has more juice. Preferably, go for medium-sized eggplants as they have fewer seeds and are easier to handle.

Tip #3: Preparing Eggplant

Eggplants can be bitter, especially the older ones. Therefore, it's crucial to prepare eggplants correctly to get rid of the bitterness. To do this, sprinkle some salt over the sliced or diced eggplant and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The salt will draw out any bitter juices, and you can rinse it off with water before adding it to the soup. This step also helps reduce the amount of oil or fat you will use to cook the eggplant.

Tip #4: Use Quality Apricots

Apricots provide sweetness to this soup and offer a complementary flavor to the lentils and eggplant. When choosing apricots, go for ones that are firm, plump, and fragrant. Avoid apricots that are mushy, discolored, or have a sour smell as they are overripe and can spoil the soup. Dried apricots can also be used in this recipe, but rehydrate them before adding them to the soup.

Tip #5: Spices and Seasonings

Spices and seasonings are the key to flavoring this soup. The recipe calls for a blend of spices that include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. These spices provide warmth, depth, and earthiness to the soup. Besides, adding fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or coriander enhances the aroma and lends more flavor to the soup. Don't be afraid to adjust the spices according to your preference to customize the soup.

Tip #6: Stock or Broth

You can use vegetable stock or broth to make the soup more flavorful. However, if you don't have any on hand, you can use water and add a bouillon cube or two to enhance the flavor. If using vegetable stock, make sure it's low sodium as some brands can be high in salt. Also, remember to adjust the seasoning of the soup if you're using stock or broth as they are typically saltier than water.

Tip #7: Blend the Soup

Once the soup has cooked and all the ingredients have mingled, it's time to blend it. You can use a blender, immersion blender, or food processor to puree the soup until smooth. Blending the soup thickens it and gives it a velvety texture. If you prefer a chunky soup, skip this step or blend it partially. Remember to blend in batches if using a blender, and let the soup cool slightly before blending it to avoid accidents.

Tip #8: Serving Suggestions

Apricot Lentil Soup with Eggplant can be served hot or cold depending on your preference. It's a versatile soup that can be paired with different accompaniments. You can serve it with crusty bread, pita bread, or sourdough bread. You can also top it with croutons, chopped herbs, or nuts, like almonds, for added texture. A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream also makes a great garnish and balances the sweetness in the soup.

Conclusion

Apricot Lentil Soup with Eggplant is a hearty, healthy, and delectable soup that can make any meal special. Follow these valuable tips when making the soup to get the best results. Remember to soak the lentils, choose the right eggplant, use quality apricots, blend the soup, and serve it with your favorite accompaniment. With these tips, you're sure to make a delicious and satisfying Apricot Lentil Soup with Eggplant that your family and friends will enjoy.

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