With this recipe I want to convey to you that there are a thousand ways to consume legumes, you know, those little seeds full of minerals, proteins and vitamins that are so healthy.
There is no reason to stop at just the heavy and slow-to-digest stews that only leave you wanting to take a nap after eating, such as lentils with chorizo or a fabada.
Here I present you a quick and easy light dish. Lentil and Vegetable Soup.
Ingredients:
- 200g dry lentils. (Replaceable with a 400g jar of cooked lentils)
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into slices.
- 2 sticks of celery, cut into pieces.
- 1 onion, finely chopped.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400 g) of crushed natural tomatoes.
- 1 red pepper, cut into pieces.
- 1 zucchini, cut into cubes.
- 1 bunch of fresh spinach.
- 2L of vegetable broth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley to decorate
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preparation of the Lentils:
- If you are using dried lentils, the ideal is to let them soak the night before. If you have not been able to do so, you can use them as is, but keep in mind that they will take much longer to be ready.
- If you have chosen the simplest option of precooked lentils, you just have to rinse them well with cold water and let them drain.
Vegetable Sauté:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
Add Vegetables:
- Add the carrots, celery, red pepper and zucchini. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are very tender.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pot. Add the cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Add Lentils and Broth:
- Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat.
- Let it cook over low heat until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are very tender.
Add Spinach:
- When the lentils are almost cooked, add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper or seasoning if necessary.
Serve and Decorate:
- Serve the soup hot in deep plates and decorate with fresh parsley.
Lentil and Vegetable Soup is a very comforting, healthy meal full of nutrients. Perfect for any time of the year and in any company.
And remember. Savor your cooking!
