Did you know that lentils are edible seeds from the legume family? They are well known for their lens shape and sold with or without their outer husks intact.Though they are a common food staple in Asian and North African cuisines, the greatest production of lentils nowadays is in Canada.
For the most part, lentils have a number of health benefits. They are low in calories, rich in iron and folate and serve as an excellent source of protein. They also pack health-promoting polyphenols and may reduce several heart disease risk factors and type 2 diabetes.Lentils are often categorized by their color, which can range from yellow and red to green, brown or black. Red lentils are are split and cook quickly. They’re great for making dal and soups and have a somewhat sweet and nutty flavor. And the best part about lentils is that they are easy to cook and do not require pre soaking prior to cooking, making them perfect for soups and stews.
And with that being said, Turkish Red Lentil and Rice Soup fits the bill for healthy eating on a budget, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
This simple, yet robust soup is rich with spices and tomato. It gets a pleasantly thick body from white rice and red lentils, which soften and break down during cooking. The Aleppo pepper is a wonderful addition, lending a gentle heat. If you can’t find it, order online or substitute with an additional teaspoon of paprika and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.