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Healthy Red Lentil Soup or Stew

Red Lentil Soup or "Stew"

This red lentil soup or "stew", depending on how much water you choose, is not only healthy and absolutely delicious, but it's also extremely budget friendly with basic ingredients. It also makes a big pot, so it's great for batch meals or a large family.
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Course: Main Course, Soup
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 stalks celery sliced
  • 7 large carrots coined
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 tsp oregano
  • 1 TBSP curry powder or chili powder or even a mix of the two
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne optional
  • 5-7 cups water depending on how thick you want it - I do 7
  • 1 pound red lentils
  • 3 TBSP tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt more to taste (original recipe has 2 1/2 tsp)

Method
 

  1. In a large stock pot, sauté the celery, carrots, onion, and garlic for about 10 minutes. I sauté with water to keep it fat-free, but original recipe uses olive oil.
  2. Stir in the spices - oregano, curry/chili powder, cayenne.
  3. Add the water, red lentils, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Bring to a low boil first and then cook on a good simmer. Simmer until the vegetables are soft and the lentils are fully cooked. Cover off.
  4. Once it is almost ready, stir in the salt & pepper to taste. Stirring salt in closer to the end cuts down on the need to use excess salt.

Notes

Plant-Based Recipe | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Oil-Free | Medical Medium Compliant Friendly Recipe