Lentil Soup with Mustard Greens and Tomato Sambal
North Indian Medium

Lentil Soup with Mustard Greens and Tomato Sambal

Earthy simmered lentils finished with creamy coconut milk and a zesty tomato topper

indianvegetarianvegandairy-freegluten-freedinnerone-pot
(0 ratings)
⏱️ 1 hour 15 minutes 15 minutes prep · 1 hour cook
🍽️ 4 Serves
305 Calories
16g Protein
42g Carbs
11g Fat

Why This Recipe Works

This soup balances the deep, earthy comfort of slow-simmered lentils with the sharp bite of mustard greens and a bright, citrusy tomato topper. It is a study in textures, finished with a small amount of blended coconut milk to provide body without masking the spices.


Instructions

1

Toast the cumin seeds in an 8-inch skillet over medium heat until they darken slightly and become very fragrant, about 1 minute—keep them moving constantly to prevent burning, then transfer to a small bowl.

2

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the onion and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and just starting to turn golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in half of the minced jalapeño, the ginger, and the garlic; cook until the aromatics are fragrant and beginning to brown, about 3 minutes.

3

Add the lentils, broth, bay leaf, turmeric, and half of the toasted cumin to the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and partially cover. Simmer until the lentils are completely tender, 40 to 50 minutes.

4

While the soup simmers, place the mustard greens in a microwave-safe bowl and cook until they are wilted and tender, 3 to 4 minutes. The microwave is an efficient shortcut to tenderize the greens without diluting the soup's flavor. Transfer the greens to a colander to drain.

5

Prepare the sambal by tossing the tomatoes, lime juice, the remaining toasted cumin, the remaining jalapeño, and salt in a separate small bowl.

6

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Transfer a small portion of the soup to a blender along with the coconut milk and puree until the mixture is completely smooth, about 30 seconds. Stir the puree and the drained mustard greens back into the Dutch oven.

7

Return the soup to a brief simmer to marry the flavors, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with a generous spoonful of the tomato sambal for a bright contrast.


🍽️ Complete the Meal

📅
Make Ahead: The soup base (without the greens and sambal) can be made up to 2 days in advance.
🧊
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; the soup will thicken as it sits, so thin with a little broth or water when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this recipe?

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; the soup will thicken as it sits, so thin with a little broth or water when reheating.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The soup base (without the greens and sambal) can be made up to 2 days in advance.

Rohit Bothra
Recipe by

Rohit Bothra

Self-taught cook exploring global vegetarian cuisine from my Atlanta kitchen.

Learn more about me →
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