March 2020

Hearty Lentil soup with All Hands

Great Frogs All Hands on Deck is slightly sweet, slightly dry which makes it a lovely compliment to slightly smoky lentil soup.

Hearty lentil soup is full of fresh veggies and fresh herb goodness! One bunch of fresh thyme bound with string is what gives this soup most of its flavor together with the heartiness of lentils.

Hearty Lentil Soup

Lentils are a great addition to the meal plan. They are high in fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins. There are of course many variations of this soup and you may enjoy experimenting with its versatility. I do hope that you try this version the way it is written before making changes. ENJOY!

Ingredients

2 cups French lentils, uncooked, rinsed

1 medium -large onion, chopped. White or yellow

4 large carrots, peeled and chopped

4 stalks celery , chopped

6 cups vegetable broth

2 bay leaves

1 Tsp ground cumin

1-1/2 Tsp liquid smoke, hickory

1 bunch fresh thyme, washes and tied into bundle with string

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Place large pot on stove, medium heat. Add chopped onion, using a little vegetable broth to prevent sticking. A little white wine works at this stage. (If using wine be sure to reduce before adding more vegetable broth) Cook until tender, 5-6 min.

Add chopped carrots and celery , simmer for 3-4 min, adding vegetable broth or water to prevent sticking.
Next add cumin, stir, add lentils and remaining vegetable broth . Now add liquid smoke, bay leaves and fresh thyme.

Turn up heat to high until Boiling, then reduce to medium-low and continue to cook at simmer until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally, Cover. If liquid runs low add water to enable lentils to cook. Also if you like a little thinner soup additional water may be desired. Cook until lentils are tender approx 35-50 min.

When done, remove thyme bundle and bay leaves. Now add the chopped spinach. Stir occasionally while simmering about 5 additional minutes. Add salt and pepper.

Serve in shallow bowl with a slight drizzle of olive oil and apple cider vinegar. The oil and vinegar garnish give a freshness to the lentils and makes it pop. Of course you can omit it but give it a try, you’ll be surprised just how it enhances the flavors.
Perhaps a little more pepper and a splash of thick creamy plant milk or cream to top it off.
Serve with warm crusty bread. ENJOY!

Notes: variations include 3 medium red potatoes diced, added white carrots and celery. This soup recipe is written for the non meat pallet although if you wish to replace the liquid smoke with 2-3 cooked and crumbled bacon pieces it will certainly work.