Lentil Soup

LENTIL SOUP

This recipe is just how I make it, quantities are flexible, depending on how soupy / dense you like it. I like adding Barley and Faro to make it more nutritional and less mushy- Faro is a crunchier and harder grain, and super good for you.

INGREDIENTS

2 C Dry Lentils

1/2 C Dry Barley (optional)

1/2 C Dry Faro (optional)

1 C Cooked rice 

3  Celery Sticks- trimmed and washed, cut into very small pieces

3 Large Carrots - peeled and cut into very small pieces

1 large  white or red potato, cut in 1/2 inch cubes (optional)

2 Medium Sized Tomatoes, cored and finley chopped

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1/2 C Sweet onion, diced or 2 Shallots, finely diced (I prefer Shallots)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 TBSP  Tomato Paste  (substitute with 1 Cup tomato sauce)

4 Cups Chicken Stock + enough water to cover all grains and veggies while cooking

Smoked Paprika

Chicken Bouillon (paste, cubes or dry seasoning)

Dry Pepper flakes or ground chipotle (optional)

Kosher Salt and Pepper

1/2 C Finley Chopped Cilantro

Cubed avocado (optional when serving, as a topping)

HOW IT'S DONE

Soak lentils, faro and barley for at least 2 hours - this will reduce the cooking time

Separately cook rice according to instructions  (brown takes much longer) - do not add salt- and set aside.

In a deep sauce pan (wherever you make your soups) on low heat, cook the onion, carrots and celery in the olive oil until onions are soft and clear. Then add garlic, until it all looks cooked - careful not to burn garlic.

Add chicken stock, tomato paste and all soaked and drained grains, potatoes and tomatoes. 

Season with Chicken bouillon, paprika, pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste. Add necessary water to have everything covered with at least 2 inches of water/stock.

Bring to a boil.  Then simmer for about 20 minutes.  Add cooked rice, and cook for another 20 min or so.

Stir pot occasionally. Toward the end, and the fresh cilantro and stir.

Serve and enjoy!  This dish is loaded with protein and flavor. My family loves it with a warm piece of buttered bread, but there's already rice and potato in there...so...very filling.