I’ve been waiting for a follow up to Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen from Richa Hingle for a while. Now, in her new cookbook Vegan Richa’s Everyday Kitchen, she applies her culinary skills to international comfort foods. She delivers a wealth of flavor-packed “awesome sauces” and mix-and-match ideas to inspire you to create stunning meal combinations.
Her unique recipes have amazing depths of flavor, are easy to make, and she offers allergy-friendly options. You’ll enjoy Richa’s sensational curries, comforting casseroles, the next-generation of plant-based burgers, and more by following the recipes in this wonderful cookbook.
The chapters showcase flavor-packed sauces, soups, sandwiches, breakfasts, sweets, and more. Plus, you will also find helpful techniques and mix-and-match ideas that inspire creativity for everyday meal combinations. I think you will find Richa’s book to be indispensable in your kitchen, whether you are vegan, flexitarian, or omnivore. Her food is so good and again, Richa writes recipes in a way that are like having her in the kitchen with you.
Red Curry Soup with Lentils
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (95g) red lentils, picked over, rinsed, and drained
- 3 1/4 cups (780ml) water, divided
- 1 teaspoon organic safflower or other neutral oil
- 3/4 cup (90g) coarsely chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 (1/2-inch [1cm]) knob fresh ginger, peeled and minced or grated
- 3 tablespoons (45g) red curry paste
- 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups (250 to 350g) thinly sliced bell pepper (any color), carrots, or zucchini (or small cauliflower or broccoli florets)
- 1 (13.5-ounce [400ml]) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (18g) raw sugar or other sweetener
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime or lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (20g) loosely packed fresh Thai basil or sweet basil
- 1/4 cup (10g) coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, divided (optional)
- Fresh lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the lentils with 2 1/2 cups (600ml) of the water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook the lentils for 13 to 15 minutes, or until they are al dente, stirring once halfway through the cooking time. Drain the lentils and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and a pinch salt and cook until the onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the ginger and red curry paste and stir to combine. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, until the paste is fragrant. Add the bell pepper and a splash of water and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the milk, remaining 3/4 cup (180ml) water, salt, sugar, cayenne, lime zest, and lime juice and stir to combine. Add the cooked lentils and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, 6 to 7 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Reduce the heat to low. Add the Thai basil and 2 tablespoons (6g) of the cilantro (if using) and stir to combine. Cover the saucepan and simmer for a few minutes, until the vegetables are cooked through and the flavors meld. Garnish with the remaining cilantro and lemon wedges and serve.
- Variations: Add some smooth peanut butter and curry powder for a Massaman-style soup. Add 10 ounces (284g) cubed firm or extra-firm tofu instead of cooked lentils.
Recipe Notes
From Vegan Richa’s Everyday Kitchen copyright © 2017 by Richa Hingle. Used by permission Vegan Heritage Press.
I have a copy of Vegan Richa’s Everyday Kitchen for one lucky ready this week. Follow the instructions below to enter. U.S. residents only, please. The contest ends at midnight eastern time on October 17th. Good luck!