Souper Meals #3: Daal with a Twist

A little Mediterranean, this delightful lentil soup is unique with its addition of green beans and sundried tomatoes. If you have a favorite daal recipe, just use that. If not, here's one I have enjoyed. It makes a huge pot, so reduce the amounts if you're only cooking for 1 or 2 and don't plan on freezing the extras.

1 c. red lentils
3 c. water
1 can (16 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. sesame seeds
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
1/2 tsp. fenugreek seeds
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. turmeric
1 lb. fresh green beans, sauteed
2 c. sundried tomatoes

Simmer the lentils, water, tomatoes, onion, garlic and spices until lentils break down. (I put mine in a crock pot for about 4 hours). Remove bay leaf. Puree in batches in blender. Add beans and tomatoes. Lightly salt if needed.

To your health and happiness,
Hailey

Souper Meals #2: Bajio Soup

Easy, but filling, this hearty soup can be prepared in a flash.

1/2 red bell pepper, seeded & chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, seeded & chopped

1/2 yellow bell pepper, seeded & chopped

1 anaheim pepper, seeded & chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded & chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 c. (or more) vegetable broth

3 c. refried beans

1 can (15 oz.) crushed tomatoes

1 c. fresh or frozen corn 

1 tsp. chili powder

Saute peppers, onion and garlic in a little bit of the broth. Combine with beans, tomatoes and remaining broth. Add more broth if you desire a thinner consistency. Stir in corn and seasoning. Heat through.

To your health and happiness,
Hailey

Souper Meals #1: Roasted Pepper Soup

Mmm! A rich, creamy soup that you can vary by adding sunflower seeds, black beans, fresh bell peppers, sprouts or other ingredients.

1 head cauliflower, steamed
4 roasted red bell peppers *
1 onion, sliced and carmelized**
3 cloves garlic, cooked with onions
2 c. vegetable broth
1/2 tsp each: marjoram, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sea salt
2 Tb. balsamic vinegar
1 Tb. soy alternative

Blend ingredients until smooth. Warm slightly. Garnish as desired.

*Broil 4-6" from heat, turning when skin blackens on one side. Peel under cool running water.
**Cook over low heat in a non-stick skillet with a little broth, stirring occasionally, until onions are brown and sweet.

To your health and happiness,
Hailey