Little Power Bombs. Rustic Veggie Lentil Soup.

Lentil love can be profound. Rich, creamy, melt in your mouth goodness topped off with excellent nutritional value. For lentils, I’m always in.

Lentils can serve as the base for so many simple, healthy and cheap meals. You can’t get much better for a high nutrition/low cost combo. High protein, high fiber and an excellent source of iron. Power packed into every bite.

What a great way to reduce your weekly intake of meat, yet not compromise on protein. A night or two of “meat free” meals is a great way to add a little detox to your diet. Let your body have a rest from trying to digest heavy meat. Lentils are also wonderfully light on your wallet. A great two-for-one deal.

Added to soup, cooked up into a tasty Indian spiced dahl (see pic below) or added to fresh salads…the options and taste variations are endless.

One of my favorite recipes is my Rustic Veggie Lentil Soup. The recipe (without the broccoli) is actually a base that I use for many soups. Add chunks of fresh, vibrant broccoli and the soup takes on a rustic flare that is incredibly filling and satisfying.

The broken down lentils provide a thick and creamy texture. Bite after bite, you may find yourself falling deeper and deeper in love with lentils. Feeling wild? Toss in some (nitrate free) crumbled bacon before serving. Words cannot describe.

Are you hungry yet?

I’ve served this soup many times as the main dish. The high protein and fiber content creates a long lasting satisfaction. The complex taste of the herbs, slow cooked veggies and lentils creates one “wow” soup. Wow!

Now for another wow factor…the ingredients are so ridiculously simple and take 5 to 10 minutes to toss into a Slowcooker. You know the soup is done because your house smells like heaven. Like I said before, I’m in!

Rustic Veggie Lentil Soup

The Ingredients:

1 cup red lentils, rinsed
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 large onion, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1.5 cups broccoli, chopped
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1/8 tsp ground thyme
1 bay leaf
5 cups water
1 tbsp beef, chicken or veggie concentrate* (I used beef)

*The brand that I used is Better Than Bouillon, which I buy at my local health food store. The ingredient list is the best that I have come across. If you can’t find it, you could use broth instead, or simply use plain water with a tsp or so of salt.

The steps: