This spicy Hairy Bikers Mulligatawny is made with red lentils, chicken stock, fragrant spices, and a touch of coconut milk. This recipe creates a hearty, flavorful soup that is both creamy and deeply warming. This recipe is a perfect starter or a light lunch and makes a delicious serving for 4 people.
Hairy Bikers Mulligatawny Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 100g red lentils, rinsed
- 1.5 litres chicken stock
- 400ml coconut milk
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh coriander, to garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make Hairy Bikers Mulligatawny
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for about 10 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the aromatics and spices: Add the crushed garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, curry powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the spices are toasted and aromatic.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken stock and add the rinsed red lentils. Stir well to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are completely soft and have broken down.
- Finish the soup: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the coconut milk and the juice of the lemon. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh coriander. Serve immediately with a side of warm crusty bread or rice.
Recipe Tips
- Rinse the lentils: Rinsing the red lentils before you add them to the pot helps to remove any dust or debris. It also prevents the soup from becoming too frothy while it simmers.
- Don’t skip the toasting of spices: Toasted spices, cooked briefly in oil before liquid is added, have a deeper, more complex flavor. Just be careful not to burn them, as this can make your soup bitter.
- Adjust the spice level: The amount of cayenne pepper and curry powder can be adjusted to your taste. For a milder soup, use less cayenne. For more heat, you can add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Blend for a smoother texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency.
What To Serve Mulligatawny
This spicy and creamy Mulligatawny soup is excellent on its own but can be elevated with simple additions. Serve it with warm naan bread, crusty bread, or rice to soak up the flavorful broth. For a simple and refreshing side, a spoonful of natural yogurt or a dollop of sour cream on top of the soup will provide a lovely cooling contrast. To make it a more substantial meal, you can stir in cooked shredded chicken or some chickpeas.
How To Store Mulligatawny Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and often improve overnight.
- Freeze: Mulligatawny soup freezes very well. Once cooled, pour the soup into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop.
Hairy Bikers Mulligatawny Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Mulligatawny mean? Mulligatawny is a name derived from the Tamil words “milagu” and “tannīr,” which mean “pepper-water.” It originated as a soup in South India and was adapted into a British-Indian dish during the time of the British Raj.
- Can I use a different type of lentil? Red lentils are recommended because they break down easily and help to thicken the soup naturally, giving it a creamy texture. You could use yellow lentils, but they may take slightly longer to cook and may not become as mushy. Other lentils, like green or brown, will hold their shape and change the texture of the soup.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, this recipe is very easy to make vegetarian or vegan. Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The flavor will still be fantastic and full of rich spices.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Lamb Vindaloo Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Cheese Scones Recipe
Hairy Bikers Mulligatawny Recipe
Description
Hairy Bikers Mulligatawny is a spicy and creamy soup with a rich, aromatic flavor. It is made with red lentils, a blend of traditional Indian spices, and coconut milk for a hearty and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Cook onion, carrots, and celery in oil until soft.
- Add spices: Stir in garlic, ginger, and all spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer: Add chicken stock and rinsed lentils. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.
- Finish: Stir in coconut milk and lemon juice. Season to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
