Bonjour mes amis, Bonjour!

I am back my little cabbages!

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup? We certainly slurp our fair share in this house and my favourites are usually the simplest. Today's recipe features one such soup, along with a superfood: the lentil.

Lentils are a heart healthy food that help to lower our cholesterol and manage blood sugar levels. They're a good source of iron and folate, are low in fat and gluten free. With their high fibre and protein content, lentils can help control appetite. The balance of carbohydrates with proteins makes them the perfect pre-exercise food, providing a slow release of energy to the muscles - great for stamina. What’s more, lentils help build muscle.

Lentil Soup

2 quarts vegetable stock

1/2 pound rinsed lentils (approx. 1.5 cups)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped

1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped (I used 1 large clove)

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes 

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Bring the vegetable stock to a simmer, and drop in the lentils. 

2. Heat the oil in a skillet, and add the onion, garlic and celery. Cook until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the parsley and tomatoes, and cook 8 to 10 minutes more.

3. After the lentils have been cooking for 35 to 40 minutes, add the onion mixture to pot and cover. Let simmer until the lentils are soft, 5 to 10 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.


Overall impressions: This soup has been added to my repertoire. Healthy, simple, quick and inexpensive; it also, to quote my husband (after his second bowl), has "oodles of flavour and body." 

Faites simple [feht sahmpl]: French women know that generally less is more and when you start with quality --- keep it simple. In terms of food, "simple" means less preparation and cooking time required, especially when you use marvelously fresh food. In terms of wardrobe, French women are likely to have only a few prime garments per season, but they are quality pieces that can be handsomely dressed up or down with the use of accessories, making it easier to put yourself together. ~ Mireille Guiliano ~