There is just something so soothing about a bowl of good soup. It becomes beyond soothing when you have been without food or drink for two weeks as I had been when hospitalized. I should add that the two weeks got rounded out with a few hospital food meals which might be even worse (but does that count as real food?). I was so ready to go home when I finally got released from the hospital. I missed my bed and my dog. I starting crying when we were about a quarter mile from our house. I was so relieved to be out of the hospital and to be going home. We got home, and I just crashed with my dog on the sofa. I asked my hubby to make me his yummy lentil soup. He went into the kitchen and the house began to fill with the aroma of caramelized onions along with sautéed ginger and garlic. My mouth watered. In no time at all, he brought me a piping hot bowl of veggie goodness. I sat and looked at the bowl, and I cried again. I was just so happy to be home. I was so relieved. The soup was warm and delicious. I could feel the nutrition in the soup giving my cells life. I savored every spoonful.

However, I cried a few more “tears” later on when re-introducing lentils into my diet after doing the RepairVite diet (food elimination diet) for awhile. Recently my husband made me his lovely soup upon my request, I ate it, and then I felt it—a dull burning sensation in my neck and upper back. Ugh! It’s one of the signs my body gives me when a certain food item just isn’t jiving with the rest of my system. I was pretty sad. I didn’t even bother going through the denial stage that I went through with other foods. The discomfort was too familiar and too—present. I knew it this time. No more lentils for me, sniff. But I sure do have a good feeling from it from my first day home from the hospital. At the time, it was bowl full of warmth, comfort, and relief.

The soup remains a hit with the rest of the family, so others can still enjoy its goodness. I’ve “memorialized” the recipe below for all (who can eat lentils).  

Lentil Soup

2015-01-22 17:20:22

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Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2. 1 medium onion-chopped
3. 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
4. 3/4 teaspoon salt
5. 1 teaspoon cumin powder
6. 1 cup red lentils - washed
7. 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
8. 4 small red potatoes or heirloom potatoes, peeled and diced
9. 4 cups homemade chicken broth or store bought low sodium chicken broth
10. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
11. 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in pot over medium heat. Then add the onions and then sautée until slightly brown, about 7-10 minutes.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sautée about 1 minute.
3. Add the cumin and salt and sautee about 1 minute.
4. Add lentils, carrots, potatoes, and chicken broth.
5. Bring to boil and then turn down to a rolling simmer.
6. Simmer for 25 minutes, until vegetables are soft.
7. Take one cup of the soup and emulsify it in a blender. Mix the blended cup back in the pot.
8. Add lemon juice to the pot. Cook for another 5 mins.
9. Add the parsley right before you serve.

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