Red Lentil Soup with Cumin and Fried Onions

  • 6
  • 60 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups red lentils (12 ounces), rinsed
  • 1/4 cup short-grain rice, rinsed
  • 3 medium onions—1 thinly sliced, 2 finely chopped
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 ounces rustic bread, torn into bite-size pieces

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large saucepan, bring the red lentils, rice, sliced onion, chicken stock, water, cumin and allspice to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt, cover and simmer over moderately low heat, stirring, until the lentils and rice are tender, about 20 minutes.

In a blender, puree the soup in batches until very smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan and season with salt. Add more water for a thinner consistency, if desired.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onions and a generous pinch of salt and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 15 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Spread the bread on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, until nearly crisp; let cool slightly. Reheat the soup, if necessary. Ladle the soup into shallow bowls, top with the fried onions and croutons and serve.