Meaning far-out flavor! Plus, I wasn’t exactly sure what ethnic category this stew belonged in. I started out thinking I was going to make an Indian curry dish, and ended up somewhere in Africa. Either way, I knew I didn’t want a standard lentil stew. Regular lentil soup can conjure up images of potluck feeds and I received a bored look when I told BL I was making a new lentil soup for dinner. Lentils often gets a bad rap but to me they are a perfect. Ready to soak up any spices you pair them with, light but satisfying enough to fill you up… not out. This was definitely a one-way trip into flavor town.

I used green french lentils in this but you could use brown. I prefer the green ones and use them in most of my dishes. No matter what type you choose, you are eating one powerful legume! They are a good source of folate, fiber, protein and iron. Need I say more?

Ingredients:

1 white or yellow onion, diced
4 carrots, diced
4 stalks celery, diced
1 cup green lentils
1 large can diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup butternut squash soup (can sub 3/4 cup diced butternut squash or more broth)
1 can garbanzo beans (or 1 1/2 cups, cooked)
1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp. fresh ginger, grated or 2 tbsp. ginger paste (or substitue dried)
Vegetable broth -about 2-4 cups depending how thick you want your stew

Spices:
1/2 tsp. cardamon
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 1/2 tsp. ground fenugreek
1 tbsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add lentils, reduce heat to medium and cook until tender. In a separate large stockpot, add 3 tbsp. canola oil, garlic, ginger and onions. Stir until onion is translucent about 5-10 minutes. Add the carrots, celery and spice blend. Stir to combine and cook and additional 10 minutes until the carrots are soft. If the vegetables start to stick, add a bit of vegetable broth. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth and butternut squash soup. Stir together and bring to a boil. Add the lentils, peas, and beans. Reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 30-40 minutes.

Serves 8.  Per serving: 305 calories, 4g fat, 18g fiber, 18g protein

Yum! We had it over brown rice one night and with crusty bread the next day for lunch.

I am really excited for fall to get to Northern California; boots, pumpkins, and hearty soups are some of my favorite things.  A big bowl of soup and crusty bread are one of my favorite combinations and my go-to on a fall day. Thanks to my sister for coming  up with this recipe, looks delicious!

Lentil Soup with “Sausage”

Ingredients:

1 lb vegetarian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
1 small zucchini, chopped
6 cups vegetable broth
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
2 -3 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups dry lentils, brown
black pepper
red pepper flakes
basil
oregano
parsley
thyme

1. Brown sausage and sweat onion
2. In a large pot combine all ingredients bring to boil.
3. Reduce heat,cover.
4.  Simmer for about 1 hour or until lentils are tender. Add water if necessary, for desired consistency. I like to puree about 1 cup of the soup and add back to pot to give it a thicker consistency.

Nutrition Information, makes about 8 servings: 336 calories, 5.6g fat, 42g carbohydrates, 19.5g fiber, 29g protein