Golden Onion Soup

It doesn't matter if you use white or yellow onions, the soup turns a rich golden color every time.

How Healthy Is That? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of onions for the treatment of poor appetite and to prevent atherosclerosis. In addition, onion extracts are recognized by WHO for providing relief in the treatment of coughs and colds, asthma and bronchitis. Onions are known to decrease bronchial spasms. An onion extract was found to decrease allergy-induced bronchial constriction in asthma patients.

Onions are also a very rich source of fructo-oligosaccharides. These oligomers stimulate the growth of healthy bifidobacteria and suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in the colon. In addition, they can reduce the risk of tumors developing in the colon.


Recipe Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
4-6 medium size yellow or while onions, chopped (approximately 8 cups loosely packed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups vegetable broth
2 teaspoons agave nectar or pure cane sugar
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons (Vegetarian) Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tablespoons Tamari
1 teaspoon salt

Recipe Directions:

Place Canola oil and onions in large soup pot. 
Heat over medium heat, stirring to coat onions in cooking oil.
Add garlic and cook until onions are tender (approx. 10 minutes)
Cover pot and simmer onions over low heat until carmelized (approx. 25-30 minutes)
Add remaining ingredients and stir well
Continue simmering for serveral minutes

Serve hot with freshly made oven baked croutons
Add cheese if desired.

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/2010/11/golden-onion-soup.html


 

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