Lentil Soup

(Serves: 8; Preparation time: 40 minutes)

1 ½ cups red lentils (brown lentils can also be used – gives a different texture & taste)

1 14 oz can coconut cream or coconut milk

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 apples, peeled and chopped

20 oz crushed tomatoes (you can use canned, but fresh is better – I diced mine)

3 teaspoons cumin

2 tablespoons curry powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon thyme

2 teaspoon turmeric

½ teaspoon cardamom

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup peanuts, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped

in a large pot, over medium to high heat add the carrots, celery and onions. Cook for a few minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the chopped apples with the spices and salt and combine. Add the crushed tomatoes, coconut cream, lentils and 5 cups of water. Combine well and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until the lentils become soft. You may need 1-2 more cups of water as the lentils cook down. You can puree the soup, but I prefer not to. I like the texture and color of the different vegies. Serve with chopped peanuts and chopped cilantro.

This recipe adapted from: eatgood4life.com/lentil-soup/

Don’t slight the humble lentil. It makes wonderfully tasty soups and stews. Don’t forget Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of red lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34), quite a price to pay for lentil soup! And quite a statement about the yumminess of lentils. Years ago when living in an International student house we would have Lentil Soup Sundays. I would make a big pot of soup, and we would enjoy it for lunch. This lentil soup is a bit different. Coconut milk gives it added fragrance, and depth of flavor, apple gives it a slight sweetness complimenting the spices. I like it. The nuts I toasted in a pan before sprinkling on the soup. This recipe is simple to make, tasty, and one needing to be shared. If Lentil Soup Sunday was still a regular event in my life, I would definitely make this recipe. It would be great served with freshly baked bread. Enjoy!

#lentil #soup