Lentil Soup Special Edition

Ingredients:

3 cups green lentils, rinsed

3 chopped russet potatoes

2 large carrots

2 stalks of celery

2 medium white onions

6 cloves of garlic

1.5 inch knob of fresh ginger, grated

2 cups frozen spinach (4 if fresh)

12 oz crushed tomatoes

Juice of 1 lemon

3 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp cumin

2 bay leaves

2 tbsp coriander

2 tbsp black pepper

2 tbsp garlic powder

2 tbsp salt

1 tbsp crushed red pepper

1 tbsp celery seed

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp black pepper

1 tbsp paprika

4 quarts stock or broth (chicken or vegetable)

Handful of parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

In a large soup pot, sauté prepared carrots, celery, and onion for 5 minutes.

Add grated garlic and ginger and stir until fragrant.

In go herbs & spices, lentils, potatoes, and tomatoes — mix until evenly coated.

Pour in broth and bring to a low boil for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender but not falling apart. Add water during cooking if needed.

Remove from heat, blend 1/4-1/3 of the soup with an immersion blender until desired consistency.

Stir in spinach, lemon juice, and parmesan (optional).

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of lentils is best for this soup?

Green lentils work well for this recipe due to their firm texture, which holds up during cooking.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Adjust the quantity based on your preference, and add it towards the end of cooking.

Is the parmesan necessary?

Parmesan is optional, providing an additional layer of flavor. You can skip it for a dairy-free version.

Can I substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth?

Absolutely. Vegetable broth is a suitable alternative for a vegetarian or vegan version.

How long should I sauté the vegetables?

Sauté carrots, celery, and onion for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Why blend a portion of the soup?

Blending a portion adds thickness and creaminess without sacrificing the texture of whole ingredients.

Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?

Fresh ginger offers a vibrant flavor, but ground ginger can be substituted if fresh isn’t available.

What’s the purpose of bay leaves in the soup?

Bay leaves add subtle, aromatic flavor during cooking.

Remember to remove them before serving.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup reheats well.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Customize the spice level by adjusting or omitting crushed red pepper, black pepper, and paprika according to your preference.