Super Soup ๐
Halloween is on the horizon; luscious plump pumpkins are in the shops; autumnal leaves are nearly all fallen to the ground - it is definitely high time for some nourishing homemade soups.
This is such an easy soup to make; it is gently spiced; it's hugely nourishing - like a hug in a bowl, especially on a rainy dark day; it's filled with plant protein (from the lentils); & bursting with Autumnal goodness.
* Chock-a-block with Beta-Carotene from the Carrots & Sweet Potatoes (did you know that Beta Carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells, natural killer cells & helper T-cells, as well as being a powerful antioxidant that mops up excess free radicals that accelerate aging? Fancy that? I sure do, especially ahead of winter!)
* Filled with anti-inflammatory yumminess from the Garlic & Ginger (Garlic, a mucho flavourful member of the onion family is a powerful immune booster that stimulates the multiplication of infection-fighting white cells, boosts natural killer cell activity & increases the efficiency of antibody production & more besides).
* Bursting with immune-boosting Onions & Spices (onions are so much more than mere tasty cookery must-have; they contain Vitamins A, B6, C and E, minerals such as sodium, potassium, iron & also dietary fibre & in addition, are a good source of folic acid).
* The very act of making yourself something homemade, tasty & nutritious is self-care in action Yogis. Take your time. Listen to music or your favourite podcast. Chop, prep, stir, taste, breathe & relax as you cook. Savour the art of simple home-cooking.
Enjoy!
Yoga Lili x
Ingredients
* 200g Red Lentils
* 1.5 pints boiling water (I use Vegetable Stock for added flavour) & also set aside some additional water when adding the lentils later
* 1/2 to 1โ fresh Ginger root, chopped very very finely or ideally grated (I keep ginger in the freezer always & then just use my handy microplane to add it into any dish)
* 3 good-sized cloves Garlic, crushed
* Pink Himalayan or Irish Atlantic Sea Salt (1/4 tsp. or so) - to your taste
* 1 tablespoon organic raw Coconut Oil/Vegetable Oil/Light Olive Oil
* 1 x 400g tin full-fat Coconut Milk
* 2 medium Onions, chopped/diced very small
* 1 very large Sweet Potato (or 2/3 medium ones); peeled & diced into 1โ cubes
* 3 large Carrots (or 5 smaller ones); peeled & diced into 1โ cubes
* Spices (reduce the quantity to half teaspoons if you only like VERY very mild dishes but this is already just a very lightly spiced soup):
1 tsp Ground Coriander
1/2 tsp Fenugreek
1 tsp. Ground Coriander
1 tsp. Turmeric
1/4 tsp Chilli Flakes
1 pinch Asafoetida*
* A large handful of fresh chopped Coriander (or fresh or dried Parsley if you don't have fresh Coriander) - to be added at the serving stage
* You can get Asafoetida (a.k.a. Hing) easily enough in Asian supermarkets; it doesnโt smell very nice raw but does not lend its scent to any dish when cooked in hot oil as it is here. Itโs said to be good for gastrointestinal conditions, IBS, flatulence, menstrual issues; it is held to be a natural blood-thinner (so beware if youโre on anticoagulants such as Warfarin, i.e., donโt overdo your intake!), it assists respiratory conditions & much more. I just like the taste.
Method:
Check the Lentils to remove any stones & rinse. Wash well so that any dust or minute detritus is removed. Set aside.
Heat the Coconut Oil on low-medium heat in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or stock pot.
Add the chopped Onions & sweat for about 5-7 mins - donโt let brown or burn. Season lightly.