FFtVSC: Lentil Soup with Kale Ribbons

This is a good solid work night dinner. It is a delicious, nutritious, and uncomplicated recipe. I give it a thumbs up.

Lentil and Orzo soup

1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 c lentils
4 c vegetable stock
4 c water
1 bay leaf
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 T fresh thyme
1/2 c tomato sauce or diced tomato
1/2 c whole wheat orzo
1 T fresh basil
1 c spinach or other leafy green

Saute onion, carrot, and celery in a small amount of olive oil until onion starts to turn translucent. Add lentils and saute for another 1-3 minutes. Add vegetable stock, 4 cups of water, bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, and tomato and bring to a slight boil. Add orzo and simmer for 6-8 minutes before adding spinach and basil and continue cooking until orzo is al dente. Remove the bay leaf and rosemary before serving.

Kashi Kedgeree

1 c kashi 7 grain pilaf (dry)
2 c broth
1 c french lentils
2 c water
2 T olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
10 oz mushrooms
1 bunch purple kale, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
2 T lemon juice
Bragg liquid aminos to taste

Cook the pilaf in the broth acording to package directions. Cook the lentils in water until tender and then drain. Sautee the garlic, onion, and carrot in 2 T olive oil over medium heat until onion is starting to color. Add the mushrooms, cumin, and coriander to the onion, garlic, and carrots, and stir to combine. Add Kale to the other vegetables and cover to steam for a couple of minutes, making sure nothing burns or sticks. Once kale is wilted, add pilaf, lentils, and lemon juice and stir to combine. For an extra kick squeeze a clove of garlic in a garlic press over the pot. Adjust your seasonings with a splash or two of Bragg's.

This recipe was inspired by Devra Gartenstein's Kegeree recipe. I've used the 7 grain pilaf and the french lentils for a little variety. I've also switched the powdered mustard for ground coriander because we were out of mustard and I love the way coriander works with lemon.