Red Lentil Butter Bean Soup Recipes

Steps:

• Toast the cumin and fennel seeds by dry frying them in a large heavy based pan until they darken slightly and release their aroma, but do not burn. Set aside some of the seeds for garnishing later. Leave the rest in the pan.
• Add the oil followed by the onion, pepper, chilli and garlic. Cook on a medium to low heat until softened but not browned (approx. 5 mins).
• Add the lentils, tomatoes and stock. Bring to the boil then simmer for about 15 minutes until the lentils are cooked.
• Remove from the heat and puree either with a stick blender or cool a little and transfer in safe quantities to a liquidiser. Whizz until smooth and return to the pan.
• Add the drained butter beans to the pan and heat gently.
• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and ladle into bowls.
• Garnish each with a spoonful of yoghurt, some fresh chopped coriander and a sprinkling of the toasted seeds. Serve with some crusty bread rolls.

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir carrots and onions in bacon drippings until crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes. Add tomato paste, garlic, thyme and pepper; cook 1 minute longer., Add stock and wine; increase heat to medium-high. Cook 2 minutes, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Stir in butter beans, lentils and bacon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Uncover; continue simmering until vegetables are tender, 15-20 minutes. Garnish with thyme sprigs if desired.

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium high heat saute the onion in the oil (5 minutes). Stir in chili powder and salt.
• Stir in lentils and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Stir in tomato sauce, carrots and celery. Simmer 10 minutes.
• Stir in beans and simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Stir in cheese and cilantro and season to taste with salt and pepper and serve topped with sour cream if desired.