Cozy Soup for Fall

It’s about to be soup season. The leaves are changing to beautiful and vibrant colors. The crispness in the air invites us to curl up with a comfy blanket and enjoy our favorite bowl of soup.

Healthy and nutritious, soup is a natural and healthy option that can be prepared in various ways: with vegetables, meat, chicken, or even legumes and rice. The vegetables added to your soups contain lots of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The broth and water added help keep you hydrated.

For detoxing, may I suggest fresh herbs, kale, zucchini, spinach and turmeric simmered in a pot with chopped fresh garlic and ginger.

I have included the recipe for one of our favorite soups.

Dive right in and enjoy!

Three Bean Lentil Soup

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon minced gingerroot
• 4 teaspoons curry paste
• 1 15 oz. can crushed tomato
• 12 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups water
• 3/4 cup red lentils
• 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1 can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• ½  fresh lemon, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions: 

In large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onions, garlic, ginger and curry paste, stirring occasionally, for five minutes or until softened.

Add tomatoes, breaking up with a spoon. Add vegetable stock, water and lentils; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for about 20 minutes or until lentils are softened.

Add chickpeas, red kidney beans and black beans; cook for 15 minutes or until heated through.

Should you desire more protein and add meat, might I suggest diced chicken breast or thigh meat? Use six cups chicken stock and six cups vegetable stock.

(Make-ahead: Let cool for 30 minutes. Refrigerate in shallow, air-tight containers for up to two days or freeze for up to two weeks. Reheat to continue.)

Stir in coriander, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Enjoy! QCBN

By Debbie Maranville

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of Goods from the Garden, Catering and Events and The Natural Healing Garden Massage and Wellness Center.