SOUP

DIVINE LENTIL SOUP (Shorbat 'Adas)

Variations of this Middle Eastern soup can be found throughout the Muslim world. It is often used to break the fast during Ramadan, which begins Monday. Traditional recipes call for dried limes, but lime juice is used in this easier version from Sarah al-Hamad's forthcoming cookbook, Cardamom and Lime (Interlink, $26.95).

• 7 ounces dry red lentils

• 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and roughly chopped

•  ¼ cup vegetable oil

• 3 medium yellow onions, finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons lime juice

•  ½ teaspoon garlic puree (about 2 cloves)

•  ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger

•  ½ teaspoon Madras curry powder

•  ½ teaspoon turmeric

•  ½ teaspoon cumin

• Salt

• 2 tablespoons tomato puree

• 2 vermicelli nests (1 ¾ ounces shredded vermicelli)

In a large saucepan, bring 2 ¼ cups water to a boil.

Meanwhile, place the lentils in a mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear. Add the lentils to the boiling water, return to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, until soft, about 15 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Working in batches, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and puree. Set aside.

Return the saucepan to the burner. Heat the oil over medium-high, then add the onions and lime juice. Sauté until the onions are golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric and cumin. Add the lentil puree and season to taste with salt. Add the tomato puree and cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to bubble.

Add the vermicelli and cook for 3 minutes. Thin with water if desired. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Source: The Associated Press.

Per serving (based on 6): 272 calories (32 percent from fat), 9.9 g fat (0.8 g saturated, 5.1 g monounsaturated), 0 cholesterol, 11.1 g protein, 35.8 g carbohydrates, 12.5 g fiber, 28.5 mg sodium.

Join the discussion

Note: If this is your first time using our NEW commenting system, you will have to LOG OUT and then LOG BACK IN.

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.CommentBody@

@Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@