With all the fiber and protein from lentils and the vitamins and minerals from the abundance of vegetables, this hearty soup is a perfect Autumn comfort food. I have provided details for vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions.

 

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

  • Vegetarian version:
  • 2 cups dried Lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups Onions, chopped
  • 3 cups Celery, chopped
  • 3 cups Carrots, chopped
  • 2 Leeks, chopped (white party only)
  • 2 cups Spinach, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil + more to drizzle on top*
  • 3 qts Vegetable Stock**
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1 t crushed Red Pepper flakes
  • ¾ -! T Kosher Salt
  • 1 t dried Thyme
  • 1 t ground Cumin
  • 2 T Red Wine Vinegar
  • Nutritional Yeast (optional for vegan, nutty, cheese-like flavor)

***Heartier, Meat-lover version:

  • ¼-1/2 lb. Pancetta or 3-4 pieces Turkey Bacon cut in small pieces
  • 3 Qts Organic Chicken Stock
  • grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Directions:

  • Place lentils in a large bowl and cover with boiling water, then rinse and drain.
    ****Meanwhile, in a large stockpot, sauté garlic, onions, leek, carrot, and celery in olive oil.
  • Add salt, pepper, and cumin and continue to sauté until tender.
  • Add stock, tomato paste and lentils, cover and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
  • Add chopped spinach continue cooking until wilted.
  • Add red wine vinegar and stir to combine.
  • Ladle into bowls, drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle with Nutritional Yeast or Parmesan Cheese if desired.

Notes:
* Olive Oil quantity depends on if this is to be vegetarian or meat-lover option
** Vegetable Stock is for vegetarian version, chicken stock is for meat-lover version
*** These are the listed ingredients for the meat-lover option
**** For meat-lover option, begin by browning pancetta or turkey bacon in just 3 T olive oil.
Add vegetables to oil rendered from the meat to sauté, then follow directions above.

(Adapted from The Barefoot Contessa)

 

 

Debbie Janoff, CINHC
Wholey Fit Nutrition, LLC
www.wholeyfitnutrition.com
info@wholeyfitnutrition.com

 

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