Low-cal Diet and A Lentil Soup

I seriously don’t know why I put up the words “Low-cal diet” in the title, when honestly, I don’t even want to talk about it. You only feel like saying stuff about some new diet or yoga pose or aerobics move when you’re actually into it and sincerely following it.

I somehow feel all guilty going, “Oh, I’m on a low-cal, low-carb diet since last month! Does it show?” And then I wait dreading the answer. Next moment, everyone’s eyeing my tummy and nodding slowly with an uncertain smile on their faces, wondering who’s going to answer first.

Considering that, I’m always on a low-carb diet. At least I make efforts, every few weeks!

Like only last night I came up with this lentil soup, high in protein (du-uh), low-cal count (due to the use of only 2 tablespooons of oil), and full of veggie goodness (due to the papaya and bitter gourd). And it turned out yummy, to my surprise honestly.

Ingredients:

- Mung Bean (moong dal)…or yellow lentils, I used about a cup soaked in water overnight.

- 1 half of a large papaya, cut into 1 inch thick strips

- 1 bitter gourd (bitter melon), sliced and de-seeded (the seeds make it too better, so do away with them)

- 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds

- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder

- 2 chopped green chilies…..or 2 more if you want it spicier.

- Juice of 1 lemon (a lime would do too)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Chopped cilantro (coriander leaves) to garnish. This is optional of course.

How-To:

- Blend the water-soaked lentils into a coarse puree. You can make it smooth but I like it a little lumpy.

- Heat oil in a deep bottomed pan.

- Stir in the mustard seeds and cackle them on high heat.

- Add the bitter gourd, and coriander powder and green chilies. Cook for a minute, until the bitter melon slices soften a little.

- Add the papaya and cook for another minute.

- Add in the lentil puree, lemon juice and salt & pepper to taste and mix well with the other ingredients.

- Add 3 cups of water. Cover and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes.

- Serve with a sprinkling of chopped coriander leaves.

And people say I don’t make health food…..