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How to Make Soup for the Poor – The Victorian Way

bowl of soup and two silver spoons

Hello, soup lovers! 🍲 Today, we’re taking a journey back in time to the Victorian era with a recipe that’s both hearty and meaningful. We’ve found a fascinating video by English Heritage that guides you through the process of making a traditional soup for the poor. This video has been viewed over 2.9 million times, making it a popular guide for history and culinary enthusiasts.

English Heritage demonstrates how to make a simple yet hearty soup using basic ingredients. The recipe is from Alexis Soyer, a French chef who was renowned for his efforts in improving food for the poor and for soldiers during the Crimean War. He also built soup kitchens in Ireland during the Great Potato Famine.

The Ingredients 🥣

To start, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:

  • Bacon – 3 rashers, streaky
  • Butter – 1 tbsp
  • Onion – x1, large
  • Carrots – x2
  • Celery – x2 sticks
  • Yellow split peas – 300g / 11oz / 1.5 cups
  • Mint – 2 sprigs
  • Stock – 2 litres / 4pts, vegetable or meat stock
  • Salt and pepper, to season

The Process 🍲

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, the process is straightforward:

  1. Fry the bacon in butter, and add the vegetables to the pan.
  2. Cook for a few minutes and then add the peas and stock.
  3. Bring to the boil and simmer for 45 minutes until the peas have ‘split’.
  4. Add chopped mint and seasoning to taste, and cook for a further 5 minutes before serving hot.

The Result 🎉

The result is a batch of fresh, homemade soup that’s hearty, filling, and full of flavor. This soup was traditionally distributed to the poor of the parish during the cold winter months. As the video states, “Just because one is poor, doesn’t mean that food should be bad.”

For a step-by-step guide and to see the process in action, check out the full video by English Heritage. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to their channel for more historical and culinary insights!

We invite you to join our vibrant community on Facebook where we share our love for food, cooking, and everything in between. Let’s continue learning and growing together in our culinary journey. 🍽️👩‍🍳

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Wholesome and Hearty: 5 Red Lentil Soup Recipes for Weight Loss

Introduction:

🍲 Welcome to another exciting installment of our Lentils for Weight Loss series! In this twelfth post, we will dive into the world of red lentils and explore their incredible potential for creating wholesome and hearty soups that support your weight loss goals. Red lentils, with their delicate flavor and quick-cooking nature, are perfect for crafting nourishing soups that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with five delicious and comforting red lentil soup recipes that will help you on your journey to a healthier you.

  1. Spiced Red Lentil Soup: 🌶️

This spiced red lentil soup is a flavor-packed delight. Sauté onions, garlic, and a blend of warming spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. Add red lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Simmer until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld together. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a garnish of fresh cilantro. This aromatic soup will warm you from the inside out.

  1. Curried Red Lentil Soup: 🍛

Elevate your taste buds with a vibrant and aromatic curried red lentil soup. In a pot, heat oil and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add curry powder, cumin, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick. Stir in red lentils, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Simmer until the lentils are soft and the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of creamy yogurt for a delightful experience.

  1. Roasted Red Pepper and Red Lentil Soup: 🌶️🍅

Indulge in the rich flavors of roasted red peppers and red lentils in this satisfying soup. Roast red bell peppers until charred, then remove the skin and seeds. In a blender, combine the roasted peppers, cooked red lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and a hint of smoked paprika. Blend until smooth and velvety. Reheat the soup and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a touch of freshness.

  1. Coconut Curry Red Lentil Soup: 🥥🍛

Experience the creamy and exotic flavors of coconut curry red lentil soup. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil until fragrant. Add red lentils, vegetable broth, curry paste, and a can of coconut milk. Simmer until the lentils are tender and infused with the aromatic curry flavors. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of creamy, spicy, and comforting goodness.

  1. Mediterranean Red Lentil Soup: 🌿🍅

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this flavorful red lentil soup. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened. Add red lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and a medley of Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a touch of tanginess.

These red lentil soup recipes are not only delicious and comforting but also packed with nutrients and perfect for supporting your weight loss journey. Enjoy their warmth, flavor, and heartiness as you nourish your body and soul.

Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, where we will continue to explore the versatility of lentils and provide you with more tasty and nutritious recipes to keep you motivated on your path to weight loss and healthy eating.