Spicy Lentil and Tomato Soup

 

 

Ingredients:
• 1 Tbsp. sunflower oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. cumin seed, crushed
• 1 lb. ripe tomato chopped or 14. oz. can chopped tomato
• 1/2 cup red lentils, such as Timeless Foods Petite Crimson
• 5 C. vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Low fat yogurt and freshly chopped parsley as garnish

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan and cook the chopped onion and celery gently for 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Stir in garlic, ginger and cumin.
3. Add tomatoes and lentils.
4. Cook over low heat for about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the stock. Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer gently for about 15 minutes, until lentils are soft.
6. Salt and pepper to taste.
7. Puree the soup in a blender or food processor. Return to a clean pan and reheat gently.
8. Serve in heated bowls, and with a heart-shaped swirl of yogurt and sprinkling of chopped parsley.

YIELD: 6 1-cup servings

Ideas/Substitutions
• For a southwestern flavor, sprinkle with chopped cilantro instead of parsley.
• For added crunch, top with a few croutons or sunflower seeds.
• Serve with hearty whole grain bread or rolls - and a green or fruit salad.
• Substitute olive oil for sunflower oil. Light sour cream can also be substituted for the low fat yogurt.
• For the vegetable broth, use homemade or canned broth (regular or low-sodium). Beef or chicken broth may also be used.

Nutrition Analysis
Serving Size: 1 cup Total Carb: 29 g
Calories: 161 Dietary Fiber: 3.3 g
Total Fat: 3.2 g Sodium: 301 mg
Calories from Fat: 18 % Protein: 7.2 g
Saturated Fat: 0.4 g Calcium: 60 mg
Trans Fat: 0.0 g Iron: 2.7 mg
Recipe Source Adapted and used with permission of
Timeless Foods, Conrad, Montana

The programs of the MSU Extension Service are available to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dr. Douglas Steele, Vice Provost and Director, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.

Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran's Preference Employer and educational outreach provider.