Vegetarian Lentil Soup Sweet Potatoes Spinach Recipes

VEGETARIAN LENTIL SOUP SWEET POTATOES & SPINACH

Steps:

• 1. In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil saute the onion and garlic over medium heat until it turns translucent.
• 2. Add the carrots, celery and Serrano Chile and continue to saute for 5 minutes.
• 3. Rinse the lentils until the water runs clean. Add the lentils to the pot, dry spices and stir.
• 4. Add the diced tomatoes, the vegetable broth, bay leaves and stir.
• 5. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the hear to medium; add the sweet potatoes and let it simmer for 35 to 40 minutes or until it has thickened considerably and the lentils are tender.
• 6. Once the lentils have attained their desired softness and you are ready to serve, add the spinach. I prefer to add the spinach leaves whole, since spinach shrinks when its cooked, so chopping is not necessary.
• 7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary and stir. Remove bay leaves and serve warm.
• 8. Enjoy my friends!

SPINACH, SWEET POTATO & LENTIL DHAL

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wide-based pan with a tight-fitting lid.
• Add 1 finely chopped red onion and cook over a low heat for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened.
• Add 1 crushed garlic clove, a finely chopped thumb-sized piece of ginger and 1 finely chopped red chilli, cook for 1 min, then add 1½ tsp ground turmeric and 1½ tsp ground cumin and cook for 1 min more.
• Turn up the heat to medium, add 2 sweet potatoes, cut into even chunks, and stir everything together so the potato is coated in the spice mixture.
• Tip in 250g red split lentils, 600ml vegetable stock and some seasoning.
• Bring the liquid to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook for 20 mins until the lentils are tender and the potato is just holding its shape.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning, then gently stir in the 80g spinach. Once wilted, top with the 4 diagonally sliced spring onions and ½ small pack torn basil leaves to serve.
• Alternatively, allow to cool completely, then divide between airtight containers and store in the fridge for a healthy lunchbox.

LENTIL SWEET POTATO & SPINACH STEW

Steps:

• Combine the lentils, vegetable broth, water, onion, garlic cloves and bay leaf in a large soup pot or Dutch oven and bring to a boil. Rub saffron between your fingers and add to the pot, along with the turmeric. Stir, reduce the heat, add salt to taste, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, add the remaining ingredients except the spinach. Return to a simmer, cover and simmer an additional 25-30 minutes, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
• Remove the onion, garlic cloves and bay leaf and salt/pepper to taste. Stir the spinach into the hot stew a 5-7 minutes before serving to allow it to wilt.