Winter Soups Recipes by Renu Dalal

Winter soups call for warmth, nourishment, and bowls of wholesome comfort — and who better to guide us through this delicious season than Renu Dalal, known for her vibrant culinary style and her passion for healthy living. Apart from being an accomplished cookbook author, Renu Ma’am is also deeply committed to fitness, sports, pilates, and overall wellness, which beautifully reflects in her recipes.

Here are three delightful winter soups, each unique yet equally nourishing, curated in her signature healthy, tasty style.

1. Drumstick & Tuvar Dal Soup

A soothing, protein-rich soup with traditional Indian flavours

Ingredients

For the base

• 1½ cups drumstick, chopped
• ¼ cup tuvar dal (soaked)
• ¼ cup onion, chopped
• ¼ cup tomato, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 3 cups water
• ½ tbsp oil

Other ingredients

• Pinch of haldi
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander
• 2 tsp oil
• Pinch of hing

Method

For the base

1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and sauté onions, tomatoes, and garlic.
2. Add soaked tuvar dal, chopped drumsticks, and water.
3. Pressure cook for 3 whistles.
4. Allow to cool, then blend into a smooth puree.
5. Strain the soup.

To proceed

1. Heat oil in a pan and lightly sauté hing and turmeric.
2. Add the strained soup, chilli powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook for a minute and finish with fresh coriander.
4. Serve hot.

2. Green Pea & Mint Soup

A refreshing, aromatic soup with cooling mint and creamy peas

Ingredients

For the paste

• 1 cup boiled green peas
• 3 tbsp boiled, peeled, chopped potatoes
• 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves
• ¾ cup water

Other ingredients

• ¼ cup finely chopped onions
• ½ tsp grated garlic
• ½ tbsp olive oil
• 1½ cups water
• ¼ tsp lemon juice
• ¼ tsp oregano
• 1 tbsp chopped green spring onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp grated cheese

Method

For the paste

1. Blend peas, potatoes, mint, and water into a smooth puree.

To proceed

1. Heat olive oil, sauté garlic and onions.
2. Add oregano, spring onion greens, and the prepared puree.
3. Add water, salt, and pepper.
4. Allow to boil gently.
5. Top with grated cheese and serve.

3. Lentil & Coconut Soup

A creamy, fragrant bowl infused with lemongrass — perfect for cosy evenings

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp masoor dal (soaked overnight)
• 2 tbsp yellow moong dal (soaked overnight)
• ¼ cup finely chopped onions
• ½ tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ¼ tsp jeera powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp olive oil

For the lemongrass water

• ¼ cup lemongrass
• 1 cup water

Method

For the dal

1. Pressure cook both dals with ½ cup water for 2 whistles.
2. Blend into a smooth paste.

For the lemongrass water

1. Boil lemongrass with water to extract flavour.
2. Strain.

To proceed

1. Heat oil and sauté ginger-garlic paste and onions.
2. Add dal paste, turmeric, red chilli, and jeera powder.
3. Mix well and add coconut milk and lemongrass water.
4. Cook for 2 minutes, add salt, and serve hot.

A Warm Note

These winter soups beautifully reflect Renu Dalal’s approach to cooking — flavourful yet mindful, comforting yet nutritious. With her active lifestyle and dedication to fitness, sports, and pilates, she believes in food that energises the body while satisfying the soul.
Each of these winter soups brings you warmth, nourishment, and the joy of homemade goodness.