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

Radish and Fennel Salad

Looking for a change of pace in your daily salad? Want something besides a bed of leafy greens topped with the usual carrot shreds, tomatoes and cucumbers? Here's a refreshing salad that's really good for you, too, because radish and fennel are both high in Vitamin C, potassium and folate. Additionally, radish is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning it offers cancer protection.  It improves digestion, too, and contributes to liver health. Fennel has anti-inflammatory properties and may also be instrumental in preventing cancer.

Here's how to make it:
1 bunch radishes, sliced (save the leaves!)
1 fennel bulb, grated (save the tops) - or use sliced cucumber instead
2-3 green onions, sliced
1/4 c. plain yogurt or kefir
Dill or parsley, optional, as an alternative to the fennel leaves.

Combine the radishes, fennel bulb and green onions. Finely chop the fennel leaves (or other herbs) and mix with the yogurt. Pour over vegetables and toss. Serve immediately on a bed of radish greens or refrigerate to let flavors blend more. Easy and quick!

To your health and happiness,
Hailey