Hearty Lentil Soup with Fresh Baked Bread

This hearty lentil soup paired with freshly baked bread offers a comforting and nourishing meal for any occasion. The soup is made with yellow lentils, a medley of vegetables like onions, carrots, and garlic, and is seasoned with spices such as cumin and turmeric. The inclusion of crispy bacon and a hint of chili pepper adds layers of flavor and depth. The bread, on the other hand, is a rustic creation involving wheat grits, rye flour, and a sourdough starter, all contributing to its complex taste and texture. Slow fermentation ensures a soft, tangy loaf complemented with toasted wheat bran for a delightful crunch. Together, the soup and bread create a perfect harmony of flavors that warm the soul and satisfy hunger. This dish is ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in and is sure to impress both young and old alike. Serving these with a side salad or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the dining experience further.

Ingredients

Soup:

• 250 g yellow lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, cubed
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 150 g bacon, diced
• 1 chili pepper, chopped

Bread:

• 290 g wheat grits (soaked in hot water for 12 hours)
• 290 g hot water
• Sourdough Starter:
  • 100 g flour
  • 68 g water
  • 3 g fresh yeast
  • 2 g salt
• Additional Bread Ingredients:
  • 100 g matured starter
  • Soaked wheat grits
  • 150 g rye flour
  • 350 g water
  • 10 g fresh yeast
  • 150 g salt
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 500 g wheat flour
  • 1 egg (for brushing)
  • Wheat bran (for coating)

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 180 minutes (including dough resting and baking time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start Your Sourdough Starter: In a bowl, mix 100 g of flour, 68 g water, 3 g fresh yeast, and 2 g salt. Blend well and place in an airtight container. Let it sit at room temperature for 2 hours and then refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

2. Bread Preparation:

   • Dissolve yeast in 290 g hot water, then add matured starter, salt, and honey.
   • Mix in the drained wheat grits and rye flour. Stir well.
   • Gradually add 500 g wheat flour, kneading the dough until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rising: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours until doubled.

4. Shape and Rest: Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each part into a log, resting under a towel for 10 minutes.

5. Braid the Dough: Take two logs at a time and twist them together to form a braid. Repeat for the second braid, then brush with the beaten egg and coat with wheat bran.

6. Second Rising: Allow the braided loaves to rise for one hour in a warm place, covered.

7. Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce to 200°C and continue baking for another 20 minutes until brown and aromatic.

8. Soup Preparation:

   • In a pot, heat a little oil and sauté diced onion, bacon, and carrot cubes for about 10 minutes.
   • Add garlic, chili, cumin, and turmeric, cooking for another 5 minutes.

9. Boil Water: Add water to the pot, bringing it to a boil. Rinse the lentils and add them to the pot once the water is boiling. Ensure sufficient water is present, simmering until the lentils are tender.

10. Serve: Slice the bread thin and lightly toast if preferred. Serve the soup hot with these aromatic bread slices.

11. Enjoy: The combination of the flavorful soup and rustic bread creates a perfect meal. For added flavor, rub toasted bread slices with garlic.

Tips

• Substitutions: If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water.
• Spice level: Adjust the amount of chili pepper to match your taste preference.
• Storage: The bread can be stored in an airtight container and toasted to refresh its flavor.

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute wheat flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for the bread.
• Vegan Soup: Remove bacon and use olive oil instead for sautéing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad or garnished with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
• A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess to the soup.

Best Places

1. Lentil Haven - Specializes in lentil-based dishes with a cozy atmosphere. Location: 123 Lentil Rd, Austin, USA.
2. Warm Harvest Bistro - Known for hearty, rustic offerings like soups and breads. Location: 456 Bread St, Portland, USA.
3. Global Lens Café - Offers international flavors with local ingredients. Location: 789 Spice Ave, Sydney, Australia.
4. Soup & Loaf - A delightful stop for artisanal bread and soup pairings. Location: 101 Soup Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
5. The Sourdough Spot - Bakes fresh bread daily with a focus on sourdough techniques. Location: 202 Yeast Way, London, UK.
6. Comfort Café - Combines traditional recipes with modern twists. Location: 303 Comfort Blvd, Paris, France.
7. Spice and Slice - Famous for its array of spice-infused breads and soups. Location: 404 Spice Rd, Mumbai, India.
8. Rustic Hearth - Celebrated for its warm ambiance and homemade feel. Location: 505 Hearth St, Rome, Italy.
9. The Bread Bowl - Offers unique bread designs and hearty soups. Location: 606 Sourdough Dr, Vancouver, Canada.
10. Soup du Jour - Features a daily changing menu with fresh, local ingredients. Location: 707 Daily Ave, Cape Town, South Africa.