Author Notes
Full of fiber, protein, and iron, lentils are a perfect food to eat when you’re not feeling 100%. This soup also has turmeric in it, which has lately been the darling of health scientists. Plus its vivid color pumps up the color of the soup, taking it from sun-faded orange to the gorgeous gold hue of a fiery sunset. (The addition of saffron does the rest.) A drizzle of cool harissa-spiked yogurt gives this soup an added creamy-salty-spicy kick that I think completes it. —TheThinChef
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Ingredients
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1 tablespoon
olive oil
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3
large shallots, chopped
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2
cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons
turmeric
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1/2 teaspoon
hot paprika
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1
generous pinch saffron threads
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1/4 teaspoon
fine-grain sea salt
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1 quart
low-sodium vegetable stock (pref. organic)
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2 cups
water
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1 1/2 cups
red lentils, picked over and rinsed
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1/2 cup
plain Greek yogurt
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1 tablespoon
harissa (North African pepper-spice paste)
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1/2
small lemon, juiced
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2 teaspoons
water
Directions
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Heat oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add shallot, and cook until it’s soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, and cook until it’s fragrant and tender, about 2 minutes. Add spices and salt, stirring well, and cook 1 minute. Add stock, water, and lentils.
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Increase heat to high, and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low, and simmer until lentils are soft and falling apart, about 30 to 40 minutes. Taste, and add more salt if needed.
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In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, harissa, lemon juice, and water. Add more water if needed to reach a drizzle-able consistency. To serve, ladle soup into serving bowls and drizzle with yogurt.
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