It is so so so cold here at the moment. It’s all I talk about to anyone I meet. At bit like when I had newborn twins and all I talked about with anyone who even made eye contact with me was sleep deprivation. It was actually -15 when we got home from a party last night at midnight. I’ve decided to not leave the house until the Italian weather smartens up and the crocuses (croci ?) start sprouting. I keep expecting to find my chickens frozen solid in their little house in the morning when I take them their heated water and kitchen scraps. How can they survive? I’m seriously thinking of knitting them this or this. So of course to make us all feel warmer I decided to make one of my favorite soups. It’s a recipe from my mother and I actually have no idea where she found it. It’s delicious and so flavourful. Lots of fresh coriander is a must. I have a thing for photographing food in mason jars lately.,,,,
Red Lentil Soup with Fresh Coriander.
2 onions finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
3/4 cup red lentils
820 grams crushed tomatoes (or 2 large cans)
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/3 cup fresh coriander, chopped
2 tsp tumeric
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
Cumin to taste (I put a lot)
1. Saute oil, onions and garlic for 2-4 minutes.
2. Add all other ingredients, bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
4. Puree soup (or not) to desired consistency.
Jillian In Italy 
This is a very interesting recipe- it seems Indian-inspired. I wonder if she got a recipe from an Indian cookbook and then tweaked it a little.
Thhe lentils, the coriander, the turmeric and the general method employed make me think it’s indian inspired. It’s defintely unique though, and it sounds quite good 🙂
We had it for dinner this evening and it is indeed delicious. Even my kids love this soup. And I agree about it sounding Indian inspired. In any case it’s worth trying out the recipe…it takes no time at all to prepare. J
Oh yum, this sounds incredible. I love using fresh coriander in soup – it has such a wonderful taste and aroma.
Coriander is one of my favorite herbs. Too bad it’s so hard to find here in Italy!
Oh I can’t wait to try this! I love lentil soups.
I’ll wait for a bit until it cools down though. (sorry)
Right now I’m thinking salads for dinner!
Hope the cold snap breaks real soon.
Love from,
Greta
You’re somewhere warm?? Tell me where…I’m on my way. I actually made your arugala pesto yesterday as well. So good. I think I could eat that spread on just about anything. Many warm greetings, J x
yuuuuummm… oh where oh where do you get your fresh corriander? its impossible to find here. for all my curry spiced dishes and guacamole and salads – corriander is missed…
You won’t believe it but our local Conad has fresh coriander. I think it’s because we live in a very international community. Or if I’m in Milan I always go to Chinatown and buy it by the crateful. I’ve tried for years to grow it but it just doesn’t grow well here. I have a new plan for growing coriander this summer though…and I will have TONS of it (art of positive thinking). xx
This sounds like a great recipe, especially since I have all of the ingredients (except the coriander)!
I’ve been itching to make a soup, but was busy with the yummiest chocolate chip cookies and a chuck roast stew this weekend instead.
I’ll let you know how my soup turns out!