A Warm, Healthy, Winter Recipe: French Green Lentil Soup
There’s nothing better than coming home to a house that smells like warm, nourishing food. Here is a simple, healthy recipe that your whole family will enjoy this winter. The lentils are a delicious, low-cost source of excellent protein, and the turmeric in the soup serves as a natural anti-inflammatory agent for anyone struggling with arthritis or other inflammatory issues.
Double the recipe and throw half into a freezer bag for a night later this winter when you just don’t have the time to cook, or put it in a nice package and bring it to an elderly friend. Your food and company will be equally nourishing to them!
French Green Lentil Soup
Ingredients
2 cups of French green lentils
6 cups of water (for the lentils)
2 cups of vegetable broth (for the soup)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
28 ounces of canned roasted tomatoes
2 cups of chopped kale
1 onion, chopped
1 to 2 teaspoons of sea salt
1 teaspoon of cumin
1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional; or whatever kind you have around)
pinch of cinnamon
Preparation
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 cups of lentils to the water and boil for 25 minutes. While the lentils are boiling, get another saucepan for the soup and heat the olive oil on low heat. Add the onions and saute for a few minutes on medium-low heat. Drain the lentils from the water and then add them to the onions, along with the tomatoes and kale. Season with salt, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, paprika, and turmeric.
Add the two cups of broth to the soup mixture, and bring it all to a medium simmer. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Top with some light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt and enjoy!
