Bengali-Style Lentil Soup with Tamarind

Name: Bengali-Style Lentil Soup with Tamarind
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup Masoor dal; 1 medium Onion; 1 inch Ginger; 2 cloves Garlic; 2 Tomatoes; 2 tbsp Tamarind paste; 4 cups Water; 1 tsp Cumin seeds; 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder; to taste Salt; 2 Green chilies; 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro; 1 tbsp Lemon juice

A hearty and tangy soup made with masoor dal, tamarind, and fresh herbs, typical of Bengali households.

Cuisine: Indian

Category: Soups

Prep: 20 minutes. Cook: 35 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

1 cup Masoor dal
1 medium Onion
1 inch Ginger
2 cloves Garlic
2 Tomatoes
2 tbsp Tamarind paste
4 cups Water
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
to taste Salt
2 Green chilies
2 tbsp Fresh cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, combine rinsed masoor dal, chopped onion, grated ginger, minced garlic, and 4 cups water; bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are very tender.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix tamarind paste with 1/4 cup warm water, strain to remove seeds.
Step 4: After 20 minutes, stir in strained tamarind mixture, diced tomatoes, cumin seeds, turmeric, salt, and slit green chilies; cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in lemon juice and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 6: Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.