Lentil Soup

Hearty lentils are the main ingredient in this soup.  Although the recipe contains basic ingredients, it is quite flavorful and filling. You can make this recipe when you want an easy to prepare, warm, and nutritious bowl of soup.

How Healthy Is That?  

Lentils contain high levels of proteins, including the essential amino acids isoleucine and lysine. They also contain dietary fiber, vitamin B1 and folate.  Lentils are often mixed with grains, such as rice, which results in a complete protein dish. Lentils are one of the best vegetable sources of iron, which makes them an important part of a vegetarian diet. Health magazine has selected lentils as one of the five healthiest foods.

Recipe Ingredients

1 1/2 Cups dried brown Lentils
4 Cups Water 
1 yellow or white Onion, chopped
4 Carrots, sliced into rounds
2 Celery stalks, sliced
2 Cloves Garlic, finely chopped
2 tsp Salt
3/4 tsp Pepper 
1 tsp Thyme 
1/2 pound fresh spinach (optional)

Recipe Directions 

Combine lentils, water, onion, carrots, and celery in a large pot.
Bring to a boil then simmer, covered over low heat for approximately 1 hour 
or until lentils are tender.
Add more water if needed (approximately 1 Cup) 
Add garlic, salt, pepper, thyme and spinach, if using.  
Stir thoroughly.
 
Serve warm with Gluten Free Crackers


Serves 4-6

Copyright 2010 
Lisa Casey, M.S.Ed of Living, Loving Food
All rights reserved.
If you re-post this recipe, please give credit where it is due and post a link to  http://livinglovingfood.blogspot.com/2010/03/lentil-soup.html