Spelt and Lentil Soup: a nutritious and tasty recipe
Spelt and lentil soup is a nutritious dish. Spelt is an ancient grain that contains vitamins, minerals and fibre. It also has a low glycaemic index, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Lentils are also a good source of plant protein and contain iron, magnesium and potassium. In addition, their satiating texture can help with weight management. So eating this soup is not only delicious, but you can also enjoy its nutritional benefits!
Castelluccio di Norcia lentils PGI
Castelluccio di Norcia IGP lentils are produced in the Umbria region of Italy. They are small, intense in flavour and bright green in colour. The area is known for its ideal climatic conditions, which allow the lentils to grow naturally. They are high in protein and rich in fibre, minerals and vitamins, making them a healthy and nutritious food.
Ingredients for lentil and spelt soup
To make spelt and lentil soup, you will need:
- 1 cup of spelt
- 1 cup of cooked lentils
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 small carrots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cups water or vegetable stock (more if you prefer a more liquid consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
You can also add other seasonings to taste, such as a pinch of chilli powder or half a teaspoon of turmeric.
Making the spelt and lentil soup
To make our spelt and lentil soup, you need to follow a few simple steps to create a delicious recipe:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over a medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped shallot and stir until soft.
- Add the dried lentils and stir well.
- Add the chicken or vegetable stock, water, salt, turmeric powder and coarsely ground cloves.
- Increase the heat to maximum and bring to the boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for about 40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Add the spelt and cook for another 20-30 minutes or until tender but still firm. At this point you can remove the cloves before serving; if you prefer, add a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil and some freshly chopped parsley to garnish the soup!
Tips for changing the flavour of spelt and legume soup
One of the best things about cooking is that you can change a recipe to make it your own! To vary the flavour a little, try using different types of spices, such as curry or paprika.
If you like intense flavours, you can even add chilli powder! You can also add seasonings such as clarified butter or cream to give the soup more texture. You can also try adding fresh herbs such as parsley, basil or thyme. Indulge yourself with your favourite ingredients to create a tasty blend that brings out the flavours of the basic ingredients. If you want to make your soup more 'Mediterranean', adding a few diced fresh tomatoes before serving will make it even juicier.
Try different combinations and have fun discovering the one that best suits your palate!
