Welcome to the culinary delights of Bhutan, a tiny kingdom nestled in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas. Bhutanese cuisine is a unique blend of flavors, incorporating traditional recipes passed down through generations. Among the many cherished dishes, Bhutan Jaju Soup stands out as a comforting and soul-warming bowl that captures the essence of Bhutanese hospitality.

In this culinary journey, we invite you to explore the rich tapestry of Bhutanese flavors as we unravel the secrets behind Bhutan Jaju Soup. Packed with wholesome ingredients and a harmonious balance of spices, this soup not only nourishes the body but also provides a glimpse into the cultural heritage and traditions of this enchanting Himalayan kingdom. So, let's embark on this culinary adventure and learn how to recreate the warmth and comfort of Bhutanese homes with the aromatic and flavorful Bhutan Jaju Soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, washed and drained
• 4 cups water
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Rinse Lentils: Wash the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Cook Lentils: In a large pot, combine the washed lentils and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook the lentils until they are tender and start breaking down, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Prepare Base: In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.

Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger into the onions, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Spice it Up: Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder to the onion mixture. Stir well to combine the spices evenly.

Tomato Addition: Add the chopped tomatoes to the spice and onion mixture. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

Combine Mixtures: Transfer the spice and tomato mixture into the pot with cooked lentils. Stir well to combine, and continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Season: Season the soup with salt according to your taste preferences. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.

Garnish and Serve: Once the lentils are fully cooked and the flavors have melded, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy the heartwarming Bhutanese Jaju Soup, a bowl of comfort that reflects the culinary traditions of the enchanting Himalayan kingdom!

Nutritional Values

Providing precise nutritional values can be challenging as they can vary based on factors like specific brands, sizes of vegetables, and cooking methods. However, I can offer you approximate values based on general nutritional information. Keep in mind that these values are per serving and the entire recipe may yield multiple servings.

Red Lentils (1 cup):

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• Rich source of plant-based protein.
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains essential minerals such as iron and magnesium.

Water (4 cups):

• Calories: 0
• No significant macronutrients

benefits:

• Essential for hydration and overall bodily functions.
• Aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation.
• Supports skin health and helps flush out toxins.

Onion (medium-sized):

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Packed with antioxidants that may reduce inflammation.
• Contains fiber and prebiotics, supporting gut health.
• May have anti-cancer and heart-protective properties.

Tomatoes (medium-sized, 2):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamins C and A.
• Rich in antioxidants, including lycopene, which is linked to various health benefits.
• Supports heart health and may have anti-cancer properties.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Contains allicin, which may have immune-boosting effects.
• Linked to potential cardiovascular benefits.

Ginger (1-inch):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• May help alleviate nausea and digestive discomfort.
• Contains bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.

Turmeric Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.
• May have antioxidant and anticancer properties.
• Linked to improved brain function and lower risk of heart disease.

Cumin Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Source of antioxidants that may help combat inflammation.
• May aid digestion and improve gut health.
• Contains iron, essential for transporting oxygen in the blood.

Coriander Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, promoting overall health.
• May have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Contains vitamins and minerals beneficial for skin health.

Red Chili Powder (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting properties.
• May help reduce appetite and increase fat burning.
• Has potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 28g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health.
• May help reduce the risk of heart disease when used in moderation.

Fresh Cilantro Leaves (for garnish):

• Calories: 0
• No significant macronutrients

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A and K.
• Contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.
• Adds freshness and flavor to dishes.

Lemon Wedges (for serving):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, supporting immune health.
• May aid digestion and promote skin health.
• Adds a citrusy flavor to enhance the taste of dishes.

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods. Additionally, the serving size may impact the nutritional content.