Carrot Lentil Soup with Cheese Mountains

This delightful carrot and lentil soup, paired with a touch of rich coconut milk, delivers a creamy texture and hearty flavors perfect for any occasion. The comforting aroma of the soup fills your kitchen, while the subtle sweetness of the carrots complements the earthiness of red lentils. A dash of seasoning brings together a perfect balance of flavors, culminating in the deliciously sharp and distinct taste of Džiugas cheese. Stirring grated cheese into the soup at the end enriches the dish, creating an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. This recipe is both nutritious and satisfying, ideal for those seeking a wholesome meal. Garnish with thyme for a fresh, aromatic finish. This soup not only satiates your hunger but also pleases your senses. Serve it with a crusty piece of bread or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 liters of vegetable broth
• 4 carrots
• 200 ml of coconut milk
• 200 grams of red lentils
• 100 grams of grated Džiugas cheese
• 100 grams of grated 12-month aged Džiugas hard cheese
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Spices:

• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

Total: 70 minutes (Preparation: 10 minutes, Cook: 60 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the carrots by peeling and slicing them into thin rings. This helps them cook evenly and blend smoothly later.
2. In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced carrots.
3. Saute the carrots for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are slightly softened. This brings out their natural sweetness.
4. Add the red lentils to the pot, ensuring they are well mixed with the carrots.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes. Check that the carrots are tender and the lentils are fully cooked.
7. Meanwhile, grate the Džiugas cheese and set it aside.
8. After 45 minutes, pour in the coconut milk into the soup.
9. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to preference.
10. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
11. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
12. Serve the soup hot in bowls.
13. Top each serving with a generous sprinkling of the grated Džiugas cheese.
14. Garnish with thyme for an added burst of flavor and color.
15. Enjoy your hearty and creamy soup with a piece of crusty bread.

Tips

• Substitutions: Olive oil can replace coconut oil, and other hard cheeses can substitute Džiugas cheese.
• Technique: Blending the soup in batches in a countertop blender can yield a creamier texture.
• Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer-lasting freshness.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Proteins: 15g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

Variations

• For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Add a pinch of curry powder for an Indian-inspired flavor.
• Substitute half the carrots with sweet potatoes for a sweeter nuance.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.
• Enjoy with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping.
• Consider serving alongside a simple grilled vegetable platter.

Best Places

1. The Soup Kitchen - Known for its hearty soups made with fresh ingredients. Location: London, UK.
2. Lentil As Anything - A unique spot where payment is based on generosity, serving delicious lentil dishes. Location: Melbourne, Australia.
3. The Soup Peddler - Famous for mobile delivery of soups and smoothies. Location: Austin, Texas, USA.
4. The Ladle - Offers a wide variety of soups daily, including vegan options. Location: Seattle, USA.
5. Zwiebelfisch - A cozy café known for hearty soups and a comfortable atmosphere. Location: Berlin, Germany.
6. Spoonful of Comfort - Specializes in delivering comforting soups across the nation. Location: Salt Lake City, USA.
7. La Soupe Populaire - Offers artisan soups with a creative twist. Location: Paris, France.
8. SoupCycle - Delivers organic soups via bicycle, cares for your appetite and the planet. Location: Portland, USA.
9. Soupanova - Known for innovative soup dishes in a creative space. Location: Riga, Latvia.
10. Brodo - Specializes in nutritious bone broth soups in edible cups. Location: New York City, USA.