When does soup season officially start in your household? My car said it was 45 degrees outside yesterday morning when I was up and out early. Commence souping!
I've been focusing on natural immunity boosting this past week with my private Facebook community, Lean In with Tara Allen Health. The omnipresent echo of late October sniffles always seem to inspire my most nurturing of recipes. Besides the winning ingredients (garlic, spices, plants, protein) in this next recipe, the fact that it is a soup - a hot liquid - will be key in helping to fight off some germs. When we bring a mug of something nice and hot close to our face (no burning yourself though, deal?!), the steam helps to kill off those pesky buggers that like to hang out in our nostrils and cause head colds. So, take your time with your soup or tea or coffee and try to inhale as you canoodle with your warm cup of ANYthing. :-)
Here's a soup recipe that I happen to love. I wanted something warming, hearty, plant-based, and free of dairy and gluten so my whole family could partake. If it passes that taste-test for your family, make it in large batches next time around and freeze some so if/when you ARE feeling under the weather, you have this on the ready and don't even have to worry about cooking.
***Lentil-Veggie Soup***
Ingredients:
1 pound lentils, rinsed
2 quarts broth (chicken, veggie, whatever)
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 T olive oil
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
Directions:
1. Pour olive oil in bottom of large saucepan on stovetop (medium heat).
2. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, and cook about 5 minutes (onions should become slightly translucent).
3. Add all remaining ingredients.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Cook an additional 30-35 minutes on low.
6. Serve as is for a chunkier consistency. Or, use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) for a smoother consistency (picky toddlers, anyone?). ;-)
7. Freeze any leftovers that won't be eaten over the next few days.