Introducing the delightful Red Lentil Fenugreek Soup, lovingly known as methi dal! This soup not only offers ease of preparation but also packs a nutritional punch for your super-active little ones. In India, red lentils and fenugreek leaves come together in the popular combination of methi dal, served over steamed rice or alongside chapati. However, the same wholesome duo can be transformed into a highly nutritious and utterly delicious soup that will surely become a favorite among your kids! Let’s dive into this flavorful and nourishing culinary adventure together.
Red Lentil Fenugreek Soup (Methi Soup): A Nutritious Delight!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup red lentil
- 1/4 cup fresh fenugreek leaves
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 small tomato finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic pods finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 2 teaspoon cooking oil / ghee
- Freshly crushed black pepper to taste
Method:
1. Begin by rinsing the red lentils and then soaking them for about 10 minutes. While they soak, you can take this time to chop all the fresh veggies you’ll be using.
2. Heat a pan on the stove and add a dollop of ghee or a drizzle of oil to it. Once it’s heated, toss in the chopped garlic and sauté it until the raw aroma fades away, filling the kitchen with its delightful fragrance.
3. Now, it’s time to add the chopped onion to the pan, followed by the diced tomatoes. Give these vibrant veggies a quick stir-fry, letting them dance together for a minute or so, infusing the air with their tempting aroma.
4. Add a pinch of asafoetida and a dash of turmeric powder to the pan. Stir for a few seconds, letting the spices blend with the sautéed veggies, creating a flavorful mix.
5. Toss in the finely chopped fenugreek leaves and sauté them with the other ingredients for a few seconds. Let their distinct aroma infuse into the mixture, adding a delightful twist to the dish.
6. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into the pan and cover it, allowing the soup to cook for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the dal is tender and can be easily mashed between your fingers, signaling that it’s perfectly cooked and ready to be relished.
7. For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly crushed black pepper into the soup, adding a delightful kick of flavor. Give it a gentle stir to blend the pepper in, and now your Red Lentil Fenugreek Soup is ready to be served warm. Enjoy its comforting and nourishing taste!
Don’t forget to add salt to the soup while it’s boiling if you prefer. You can also thicken the red lentil soup and serve it over steamed rice or enjoy it with phulka, a perfect complement to this flavorful and nourishing dish. Bon appétit!
This red lentil fenugreek soup is light and easy to digest. Adding fresh fenugreek (methi) leaves adds to its nutrition and gives it an interesting flavor. You have to admit, this is a genius way to feed your fussy eater leafy vegetables!
Red Lentil Fenugreek Soup
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup red lentil
- 1/4 cup fresh fenugreek leaves
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 small tomato finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic pods finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Pinch of asafoetida hing
- 2 teaspoon cooking oil / ghee
- Freshly crushed black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentil , soak for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile chop all the veggies .
- Heat a pan . Add ghee or oil to it.
- Add chopped garlic and saute until the raw smell goes.
- Add chopped onion followed by chopped tomato.
- Stir fry the veggies for a minute or so.
- Now add asafoetida , turmeric powder, saute for few seconds.
- Add finely chopped fenugreek leaves and saute for few seconds.
- Add 1 1/2 cup water and cover cook the soup for 5-7 minutes or until the dal is cooked well and can be mashed between fingers.
- Lastly add freshly crushed black pepper and serve the soup warm.
Notes
The red lentil soup with fenu greek leaves can be served over steamed rice or with phulka.
Can I give this to 8 month old
Hi Krutika,
It can be given for 1+ year old babies dear.
Can. I give this to 8 month old baby
You can give, when baby turns one year 🙂