Lentil Soup: A Simple and Healthy Mauritian Recipe

It is very common for Mauritians to have a side of “grains secs” or pulses as part of a typical meal, for example, lentils and split peas, prepared as a soup. They are a great source of protein, especially for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet, and are very healthy and easy to prepare. Here is a very simple Mauritian recipe that you can try at home:

What you’ll need:

• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 medium sized onion, chopped
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 200g black lentils
• 1 carrot (optional), cut or grated however you like
• 1 pinch of cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp oil

What to do:

• Wash your black lentils with cold water.
• In a pressure, add some oil and heat over medium heat.
• Add a pinch or two of cumin seeds to the hot oil, then the garlic, tomatoes, onions and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Add the black lentils and enough water to just cover the lentils. Mix.
• Add the carrots and top with more water. Cover the pressure cooker and cook for 30 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy with some bread or as a side.

Variations:

You can add some chilies if you like it hot and spicy, or use some curry leaves to add some more flavour.

Enjoy!