Protein Packed Pot meal


Wishing You a Very Happy and Healthy New Year 2012!

We enjoyed the Holidays and pampered with lots of food. A high level of sugar weeks: cookies, fruitcake and sweets for New Year and not to forget the double helpings of fat laden appetizers that I went over board! Probably I am not the only person to feel guilt about the over indulging part in Holiday time! I don't know about you, but I definitely need to bring back my digestive system on track. I cannot spend hours doing the intense workout but can cut down the carbohydrate (rice/bread) and sugar once in a while.
This one pot meal works like magic if you want to be fuller and satisfied this one is perfect. I mistakenly thought it was horse gram and  brought this brown lentils one day. I don't regret, masoor dhal cooks quickly and taste great. Though lentils, are quiet common in our Indian cooking, I never did soup. This protein packed brown lentils soup is filling and hearty. More over, I flavored with Indian spices and can be eaten as side dish for rotis.




Brown Lentils / Whole Masoor dhal



Ingredients:

Brown lentils/ whole masoor dhal: 1 cup
Onion: 1 diced
1 can (16.oz) of diced tomato or 3 to 4 tomatoes diced
Garlic: 3 pods, peeled and minced
Vegetable bouillon (omit if u use broth): 1 cube or
Vegetable broth/ water (I used 16.oz of empty tomato tin to measure water- measured with empty tomato can twice)
Celery, carrot and zucchini: 1+ 1/2 cups
Cumin powder: 1 tsp
Bay leaf: one
Olive oil: 1 to 2 tsp
Salt: can be added at the end if needed
Cilantro: to garnish or to flavor

Method:

Pressure cook method (easy for cooking lentils)

Rinse the lentils properly twice.

Heat the Olive oil and saute the onion and bay leaf, add the garlic fry few seconds, add the lentils, cumin powder, diced tomato and bouillon and water or Broth.
Cover and cook until 5 to 6 whistles. Check the lentils are cooked (it should be normally)
Once the pressure is released, remove the lid. Add the vegetable and let it simmer another 15 to 20 minutes (or leave a whistle in cooker)
Check the salt and the soup consistency (u may add water if u like little thin) serve hot with cilantro on top.


In pot

Rinse the lentils properly twice.
Heat a big pot with Olive oil and saute the onion and bay leaf, add the garlic fry few seconds, add the lentils, cumin powder and (bouillon + water) or Broth.
Cover and cook until the pulse are done. Once the pulse is cooked add the tomato and vegetable and simmer another 20 min.
Check the salt and the soup consistency (u may add water if u like little thin) serve hot with cilantro on top.



Comments

anjana said…
very healthy and delicious lentil soup...nice recipe..
kitchen queen said…
yummy healthy and nutritious.
Priya Suresh said…
Woww feel like finishing that whole bowl,definitely super satisfying and filling.
notyet100 said…
Perfect one pot meal,.:)
Simplyfood said…
Looks healthy and delicious.
Soma said…
Happy New Year to you and yours! wishing you have a beautiful year ahead. Love masoor with husk. I need to make some spicy dal soon.
Laavanya said…
I am with you on the over indulging during the holidays.. this is a great & tasty way to get back on track! :)

Happy New Year! :)
Unknown said…
Healthy n delicious
Rachana said…
This is such a healthy and delicious dal!
Madhavi said…
Healthy and yummooo post!!!

http://vegetarianmedley.blogspot.com/
wow what clicks.. I will eat this anytime, looks wonderful...
Kalyan said…
Just mouthwatering...looks so easy to prepare & delicious!
Cynthia said…
Happy New Year, Cham!
Aarthi said…
They look mouthwatering...should try it soon..

First time here..You have lovely blog with awesome recipes…I am your new follower.sunscribed through email...Do check my blog if you have time..

Aarthi
http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/
Chitra said…
Yesterday i prepared something like this. will try this version , sounds yummy.
Poornima Nair said…
Heyy, thats a wonderful and healthy meal, very satisfying!
Pavani said…
healthy n delicious dal..
Bong Mom said…
Happy New year Cham. What a delicious and healthy way to start the year
Vaishali said…
Hearty and delicious recipe for these cold-weather days. I think masoor is just a little more special than other lentils, for its great, robust flavor.