Golden Lentil Soup

Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients

• 1/4 cup masoor dal (split red lentil)
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped onions
• 1 bayleaf (tejpatta)
• 2 cloves (laung / lavang)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 6 to 8 black peppercorns (kalimirch)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup milk
• salt to taste
• 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (dhania)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped paneer

For The Garnish

• a sprig of mint

Method

1. Clean and wash the dal, add the carrots, onions, bayleaf, cloves, garlic, peppercorns and 4 cups of water, mix well and pressure cook for 3 to 4 whistles.
2. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. Keep aside to cool.
3. Blend in a mixer till smooth. Strain using a strainer and keep aside.
4. Heat the butter in a deep pan, add the chilli powder and celery and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds.
5. Add the dal mixture, milk and salt, mix well and bring to boil.
6. Add the coriander, lemon juice and paneer, mix well and simmer for a minute, stirring once in between. Serve hot garnished with a sprig of mint.