A couple of weeks ago I started a 21 day purification program that eliminated certain foods from my diet. While most people do detox programs like this to lose weight, I am trying to figure out if I have any food sensitivities that are causing problems for me. As part of the program, I can eat as many vegetables as I’d like as well as half as many fruits as vegetables. I can also have lentils and quinoa and a few other things (spices, vegetable broth). I ordinarily eat really clean and healthy but eating only fruits, vegetables, lentils and quinoa was a challenge. To create some variety in my diet and not just eat quinoa and sauteed veggies every day, I started experimenting. I need to be completely honest here though – I haven’t been a fan of lentils before now. But with all their incredible health benefits, I’ve been trying to find a way that I like eating them. This recipe was it! Not only did my family love it too, but it made plenty for leftovers for a couple of days. This soup freezes really well too so it’s perfect to keep in the freezer when you need a quick and easy meal!
Spinach lentil soup is a quick and easy weeknight meal too and doesn’t take long to throw together.
Here’s all you have to do:
Chop up a white onion and some carrots (I used about 12 baby carrots). Add a little olive oil to a soup pot and saute onion and carrots for about 5 minutes.
Add in a can of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of lentils.
Add 8 cups of vegetable broth (or 4 cups of vegetable broth and 4 cups water).
Add 3 big handfuls of baby spinach leaves and cook on medium for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender and spinach has wilted. Season with a little salt and pepper and dinner is ready!
Spinach Lentil Soup
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 white onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped (or about 12 baby carrots)
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups lentils
8 cups vegetable broth
3 handfuls of baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Sautee onions and carrots in olive oil for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
Add in diced tomatoes, lentils, and vegetable broth.
Add in spinach, stir and cook on medium for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
What’s your favorite lentil dish? Tell me in the comments below!
