My daughters and I are convinced – we love winter eating!
The fantastic menu varieties, the hearty dishes, delicious stews and healthy soups are so appetizing. Comfort foods abound in our home the moment the first snowflake flies until the first icicle begins to drip, drip drip and melt in March (or, honestly, sometimes it is April).
Although I still struggle with getting my two young boys to eat soups without noodles (picky young age?), the rest of the family loves a good, hearty soup.
I wanted to share a recipe of a super easy-to-make, ultimately healthy, lovely soup for the last few months of your winter. And if your season is already gently melting into the beauty of springtime, this soup is still a great way to use up your winter root vegetables.
Healthy, Hearty Lentil Soup
Three sweet potatoes
One onion
Three – Four carrots
a liberal cup (or two?) of red lentils
{you may also add any other type of lentil – I also add green lentils when I have them}
Water to cover
salt/seasoning/bay leaf of your choice
** Chicken broth is optional but not necessary
You may also add diced potatoes or celery, but if you are going for extremely simple,
then the first listed ingredients are just fine for this big pot of soup.
Simply chop everything up, place it in your pot, cover it with water and let it gently cook all day. This would be best, perhaps, in your slow cooker. I put mine in my soup pot at the back of my cookstove in the morning (which most likely has the same heat as a slow cooker), around 9 a.m., and by 3 or 4 p.m, it is ready. Keep it warm until your Mister comes home from work. Serve with crusty bread, whipped butter with garlic and seasoning and a side dish of homemade pickles and sliced cheese. Delicious! I always make a big batch and serve it up over the next few days. It’s delicious at lunch time or dinner time – whatever you prefer.
Don’t forget the homemade bread!
This soup also stretches your dollar – it is extremely thrifty. I was able to serve a dozen people with this soup and there were still leftovers.
Let’s talk, briefly, about the nutrition of the soup – mainly coming from the humble, little red lentil.
The red lentil – one of my favorite staples in my pantry – is nick named a powerhouse in the health world. It is fantastically full of nutrients, flavor, and amazing health benefits. Do not overlook this little pulse. Red lentils are small – and also very thrifty to purchase – but powerful and will fuel your muscles, brain, heart and nervous system. They are packed full of B vitamins, iron, calcium, and even folate (can you tell why this is a great soup for a pregnant mother?). Low in fat, full in fibre, they are a beautiful addition to your dinner table.
Not to mention the other wonderful vegetables … this soup is definitely one for that old fashioned recipe box.
It’s quick and easy to prepare and can let your mind rest from wondering what is for dinner.
by Gigi
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