So good! WINTER SOUP REPAIR February 1st, 2023

Let's get home-made, delicious, and outstandingly nutritious! Sharing some favourites from our home to yours. This one is vegetarian and gluten-free.

Week #1: Luscious Lentil Soup

When I make this soup, my sons return from school and are drawn to the kitchen because it smells so good! Imagine greeting those you love with feelings of home and of being cherished. This soup will do it. You'll feel like the best parent or caregiver or friend knowing your loved ones are enjoying exquisite nutrition while knowing they are exquisitely loved.

You will need a BIG pot (really big), a blending device, and the following:

• 1/2 C olive oil

• 2 med yellow onions, chopped

• 4 carrots, chopped

• 8 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 or 5 tsp ground cumin

• 2 or 3 tsp curry powder

• 1 or 2 tsp ground thyme

• 1 large can diced tomato, lightly drained (can also use 2 cans)

• 2 C green lentils, rinsed

• 8 C veggie broth (not pictured above, make sure it is gluten free)

• 4 C water

• 2 tsp salt, or more to taste

• pinch of red pepper flakes

• 2 tsp black pepper, or to taste

• 2 C fresh kale, chopped and with tough ribs removed

• juice of 1 medium lemon

1) Warm the oil in a pot over medium heat, then add onion and carrot, stirring often for about 5 mins.

2) Add garlic, cumin, curry, thyme, and stir about 30 seconds before adding tomatoes and continuing to stir for about 2 mins. Remember that cooking the spices this way releases more flavour goodness than simply adding them to the liquid. I like to add the larger amount of spice, but less might be your taste.

3) Add lentils, broth, water, 1 tsp salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

4) Bring soup to a boil, partially cover, and lower heat to simmer for 25-30 mins. Transfer 4 C to a blender and puree, then return it to the pot (careful not to blend hot liquid...let it cool first!). Add chopped kale and cook another 5 mins. Remove from heat and add the juice of 1 lemon. Add more salt/pepper to taste.

I've had this recipe in my box for years and sadly don't know where it originated, even though I've tweaked it a bit along the way. I hope it will bring as much satisfaction to you as it does to our family. Stay tuned for more WINTER SOUP REPAIR on February 7th, 2023!