Lentil Soup with Sausage
(Lencseleves kolbásszal)
Lentils are one of our oldest crops, grown in Central Europe as early as the Stone Age.
Not only did lentils play a role as a food in ancient times, but they also gained herbal status: Hippocrates recommended the use of lentils to liver patients. It is good to know that it contains significant amounts of vitamins B1 and B2.
The largest lens-producing countries are Canada, India and Australia. It is grown mainly in the southern and south-eastern parts of Europe, especially in the countries along the Mediterranean. In Hungary only grown area is small.
Lentils at many countries (e.g. England, India) and made into flour, and are also used as an ingredient in food. It is also known as a pie-like state of fried potatoes (crisp), which is an appetizer in Indian restaurants, from which it can be dipped in various sweet sauces.
In Hungary, but also elsewhere in Europe, the lentil soup is kinda old traditional way to serve on the first day of the New Year to ensure prosperity for the coming years … It is symbolozing wealth. Lentil soup can be eaten not only at New Year’s Eve, but also a yummy soup at any time. As it is not a light meal, it is recommended to eat it in cold season, it will warm up the body. Lentil can also be in use for a salad or steamed as a side dish. In Hungary available three different types of lentils.
Receipt for 4 persons – Preparing time 30-45 mins.
Ingredients: 300 g dry lentils, 1-2 bayleaf, 1 smoked sausage, sliced thin, 1/2 handful parsley to serve, 1 medium size onion, 2 tsp oil, 1-2 garlic clove, minced, 2 tbs flour, 1 tbs sweet red paprika powder, 100 ml sour cream to serve as taste, 1 and a 1/2 liter chicken stock/water, 1tbs mustard.
Cooking instructions: Place in the oil the cutted onion medium heat until translucent. Add the garlic and stir into it the flour. Remove from the heat keep stiring whilest adding the paprika power, be careful not to burn the paprika powder. May add the bayleaf then. Pour 1and a 1/2 liter of chicken stock or water and the lentils. Continue slow simmer for 20-30 mins. Add the parsley and continue slow simmer. Serve the soup with sour cream and season with salt. Some prefer to add a 1/2 tsp of vinegar in their plate, may also add hot paprika cream as taste requires.
To read more about traditional Hungarian soups, visit previous receipt @ “Q” & “A” Culinary Heritage Into Hungarian Kitchen.
© Aggie Reiter
Rolling in Budapest 