Lentil soup for the soul...

It was a balmy 50 degrees last week for New Years, by Sunday it was back in the 20's and snowy- gotta love 30 degree drops in temperature! Anyways now that the temperatures are back to normal and there is snow on the ground once again, I decided it was time for some soup.

I had veggies left over from New Years and lentils in the cupboard so I decide to whip up some soup last night. I chopped up some carrots, celery (don't tell my husband), red onion, and garlic then sauteed them in a little olive oil to soften them.

(Yes that onion is sprouting!! Must be too hot in my cupboard.)

While the veggies cooked down a bit and filled the house with their tasty aroma, I measured out some some lentils. I decided to go with part green and part red for a bit of variety.

After adding the 1.5 cups of lentils to the pot, I added about 5 cups of liquid. I used about 2 cups of stock and 3 cups of water. Next time I'd use just stock, but I ran out so I had to be flexible. For purposes of seasoning you can add a bay leaf or two, and anything else that you like. I added some hot sauce because I wanted a bit of kick in my lentils.

Then let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the lentils are tender and tasty, serve up with a dollop of Greek yogurt.




Lentil Soup

1 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups lentils, any type
5 cups of stock and/or water
2 bay leaves (don't eat)
Hot Sauce to Taste

Saute the first four ingredients in a little olive oil in the bottom of your stock pot until soften, and be careful not to burn. Then add in your lentils, stock and/or water, and bay leaves. This would also be the time to add any additional seasonings you'd like. Simmer approximately 60 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are softened. Serve and enjoy!

What is your favorite meal to warm up with?

This land is your land and this land is my land,
From California to the New York Island,
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters,
This land was made for you and me.
-This Land is Your Land, Woody Guthrie

(Yeah I know totally random song that reminds me of elementary school, but it's been stuck in my head all day!)