Spicy Lentil Soup
(Vegan, gf}
This lentil soup is one of my all-time favorites! It is perfect for a chilly day, perfect for meal prep (makes a huge batch which lasts the week), perfect for when your getting sick, perfect for detoxing or kick starting clean eating. It is loaded with nutrition, plant protein, and tons of fiber. Need a easy and delicious way to regulate digestion and even clear your sinuses? This is it! Let's be honest, it's the perfect anytime soup! It's customizable, too. Want meat? Add some ground turkey or beef (which I've done). You can also omit or add vegetables + tailor the spices to your needs. I promise it's hard to mess up this soup, if you make a it or a variation of it please comment below! I love hearing what you guys think of my recipes :) Hope you love it as much as I do!
INGREDIENTS
1qt carton organic low sodium vegetable broth (I have used bone broth + chicken broth as well)
28oz can organic no salt added diced tomatoes
2tbsp minced garlic
5 celery stalks, chopped
1 bag mini tricolor baby carrots, chopped
1 large zucchini, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
1.5cups green lentils (dry)
1/4 of a lemon, squeezed
Fresh baby spinach (optional, for serving)
1tbsp extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil (I used this herb-lemon liquid coconut oil this time!)
8-12oz water (optional)
*SPICES
1/2tsp pepper
1/4tsp tumeric
1/4tsp garlic powder
1/4tsp chili powder
1/4tsp cayenne powder
1tsp italian herbs
*I always eyeball spice and taste along the way, so PLEASE adjust according to your taste! I estimated these measurements since I do not measure. Get your spoon in there and don't be afraid to taste!
METHOD
1. Chop the garlic, celery, carrots, zucchini and onion (small, or desired chunkiness ;)
2. Using a large deep pot on medium/high heat, heat tbsp of oil and then add veggies to pot (garlic, celery, carrots, zucchini and onion)
3. While the veggies are cooking, stir here and there to ensure even cooking. Meanwhile, prepare lentils according to the back of their package. Typically 3cups water per 1.5cups lentils, bring to boil, and let cook for 15-25 minutes.
4. At this point the lentils are cooking + the veggies are getting tender.
5. Once the veggies start to appear translucent and tender, add the canned diced tomatoes + broth. Stir well. Bring up to a light boil.
6. Add spices + lemon juice and stir well.
7. Once lentils are 75% cooked and most the water is absorbed, pour into the rest of the soup. Stir well. Bring back up to a light boil and cover. Let simmer from as little as 15 minutes to as long as 45 minutes.
8. If you like your soup thick, leave as is! If you desire more liquid (which I did this time) then add 8-12oz regular water to the soup and stir well.
9. Let cool on the stove for 10-20 minutes and when ready to serve, scoop into a bowl with fresh spinach placed on the bottom (the spinach will wilt from the hot soup!)
You can keep it in the fridge for a week or even freeze for up to several months! Its great cold too, and after sitting in the fridge overnight, it gets thicker and even better tasting (as all soups do!) ENJOY :)
