Lemony Lentil Soup

Lemony Lentil Soup

This soup reminds me of my Mom. Not that the soup looks like my Mom or anything like that, but she used to make a soup just like this and with every bite it’s a little piece of nostalgia! With her being a Vegetarian and being the main cook in the house, I grew up eating mostly lentils, tofu, beans, and vegetables. Her lentil soup had just the same amount of  zest and flavor as this one!

Lemony Lentil Soup

I thank my Mom for all my ways of healthy eating. My parents just visited us in Boston this past weekend, and my Mom and I got into a long conversation about how “healthy” eating tastes so normal to us. Our taste buds would much prefer that kale salad with tofu and sunflower seeds than a juicy hamburger. I know it’s so odd, right? My Dad would definitely have to disagree as he was rolling his eyes at us during this whole conversation. I guess you can say that if my body and organs could talk, they would congratulate my Mom and I on this healthy food preference, giving us the ‘healthy food eater’ medal of honor.

Well here it is, a healthy delicious soup that doesn’t actually have to taste “healthy” and it’s HUSBAND APPROVED!!

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp coconut oil (you can also use olive oil or sesame oil instead)
2 cups red lentils, rinsed and picked over
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves or 4 small ones
1/2 tsp minced ginger
2 carrots chopped
2 celery sticks chopped
1/4 tsp chili powder
1 tsp curry powder
7 cups vegetable or chicken stock (I use low sodium)
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

Click to see the directions!  Continue reading

Curried Red Lentil Soup with Chickpeas and Quinoa

Curried Red Lentil Soup

I could not stop thinking about my mom’s cooking growing up and her ever lasting use of lentils. I was seriously craving something filled with lentils and ready to soothe and spice up my soul on a cold winter day.  I love thick and chunky soups that incorporate protein for a solid meal!  Let’s get cookin…

Ingredients list for soup:

1. 1 Tbs olive oil
2. 3 medium size carrots (chopped)
3. 1/2 cup celery (chopped)
4. 2-3 large finely garlic cloves (or pressed in a garlic presser)
5. 1 Tbs finely chopped ginger
6. 1 Tbs curry powder
7. 1 cup red lentils (rinsed and drained)
8. 3 cups chicken stock (or vegetable broth)
9. 2 14.5 ounce cans of petite diced tomatoes (I like to mix it up and use the fire roasted petite diced tomatoes with chipotle peppers or garlic, add some spice
10. 1 15 ounce can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
11. 1 cup cooked quinoa (I actually love love to use Seeds of Change quinoa and brown rice with garlic mix )

Additions if you so desire:

1. chopped cilantro
2. a dash of chili sauce (sometimes I use, A Taste of Thai Sweet Red Chili Sauce)Curry Red Lentil Soup

 

Curried Red Lentil SoupDirections……

1. Heat oil in a deep large pan
2. Add carrots, and celery and sauté until lightly browned (about 10-20 min)
3. Add garlic, ginger, and curry powder and sauté for about 30-60 seconds
4. Add lentils, stock (or broth) , tomatoes and if used, chili sauce
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender (about 10-15 min)
6. Add the chickpeas and quinoa, stir to heat them evenly
7. Garnish with cilantro is desired and voila….enjoy!

Curried Red Lentil Soup

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Original recipe here zestycook.com

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