Bitter Melon Lentil Tomato Soup

This soup is very health conscious and was created for a Type II diabetic. The bitter melon is healthy and makes a great addition to the soup.

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 cups bitter melon, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
• 1 cup onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomatoes, diced
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 cup watercress, chopped
• 1 cup mint, chopped

Method

Soak lentils in 3 cups boiling water, about 1-2 hours. Sprinkle salt on bitter melon slices and after 10-15 minutes wash in water thoroughly. This will remove the bitterness from the melon. In a heavy sauce pan, saute onions in hot oil over medium high heat until onions turn brown, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes, watercress and curry powder. Cook covered over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water and bitter melon, continue cooking over medium heat with sauce pan covered, until slices get tender, about 10 minutes. Add lentils to this with two more cups water and bring it to boil over medium high heat, about 5 minutes. Continue cooking over low heat with sauce pan covered until lentils get soft, about 20-25 minute. Salt to taste and garnish with mint. Serve hot.

Notes: Bitter melon controls the blood sugar level by keeping the sugar level low, hence, good for diabetic patients. You may add a few leaves of Stevia that are sweet. The soup refrigerates well. You can make ahead of time; heat when ready to eat. it is very filling and nutritious.

Number of servings: 6-8

Submitted By: malligai
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