Description
Experience the bold and balanced flavors of Tikka Red Lentil Soup paired with sweet and tangy Mango Chutney Onion Cheese Toasties. This comforting and nutritious meal combines warm spices, creamy lentils, caramelized onions, and melty cheese, perfect for any season and suitable for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tikka Red Lentil Soup
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed thoroughly
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon tikka masala spice blend (cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala)
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish or stir-in)
For the Mango Chutney Onion Cheese Toasties
- Thick slices of crusty bread or sourdough (4 slices)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- Mango chutney, enough to spread on bread slices
- 100–150 grams mature cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentil Soup Base: Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a large pot, heat butter or oil and sauté finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Add Spices and Lentils: Sprinkle in the tikka masala spices and stir continuously to toast the spices and release their aromas. Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable stock, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Mango Chutney Onion Cheese Toasties: While the soup simmers, thinly slice onions and caramelize them in butter or oil over low heat until soft and golden. Spread mango chutney on each slice of bread, layer with caramelized onions and a generous amount of cheese, then top with another slice of bread.
- Cook the Toasties: Cook the assembled sandwiches in a hot skillet or sandwich press until the bread is toasted to a crispy golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the warm tikka red lentil soup into bowls and serve alongside the hot toasties. Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use freshly ground tikka masala spices for richer flavors.
- Don’t skimp on mango chutney; its sweetness balances the savory elements perfectly.
- Simmer lentils until just tender to avoid mushy texture.
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Press the toasties gently while cooking to ensure even melting and a crisp crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of soup with 1 toastie
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Tikka Red Lentil Soup, Mango Chutney Toasties, Lentil Soup, Spiced Soup, Comfort Food, Vegetarian Recipe, Indian-inspired, Cheese Toasties
