Winter Lentil & Chunky Vegetable Soup

Hannah Sunderani
Nov 28, 2016
3 min read

I'mmmm siiiiick. Ugh... It's times like these that I really miss having my mum around to cook me up a healing batch of chunky vegetable soup! Is there anything more comforting when you're sick than being brought a big bowl of veg soup? I enjoy mine snuggled up on the couch in my pyjamas watching reruns of Ellen! But, unfortunately this is not my reality at the moment. Mitch is away for work and so I'm all alone fending my sickness for myself with only Penny to keep me comforted, although she too seems to under the weather with an upset tummy and hasn't allowed me any goodnights sleep. All nights she was whining at the door every couple hours to go out and eat grass. Peeeennny! I love her, but I couldn't help giving her the evil eye when my alarm went off at 7:30 this morning. If you've noticed I'm feeling sorry for myself today, YOU'RE RIGHT! And if you think I'm one of those mopey sick people that showcases their bad mood so everyone knows just how crappy I'm feeling, YOU'RE RIGHT! It's probably a good thing I am home alone without anyone to affect with my sore temper... (I apologize in advanced for my grumpy mood!).

But my spirits took a turn for the better today after enjoying this Winter Lentil & Chunky Veg Soup. It's just what the doctor ordered to help me get over and on with my cold. And it's beautiful taste is exaaactly what I needed. I've packed this soup with so much veg it's hard to keep track of it all (amongst my pounding headache), and then added lots of lentils for a little protein boost and heartiness. Then, I've finished it with fresh parsley for some extra flavour and health boost! All in all this big bowl of comfort is sooooo good and totally healing!

I'm telling you, this is the soup scoop to getting well soon. There is nothing more soothing and healing than this warm bowl of goodness! The healthy veg makes it so nutrition dense and it's heat will sooth your throat and clear that stuffy nose. (If you're feeling up to it you can also add a pinch of cayenne for an extra knock to that stuffiness). But what's most important for the sick, who are stuck fending for themselves, is the minimal effort required to make this soup. Which is key when you're feeling under the weather. Just throw all the ingredients in a big saucepan and let it simmer. In the end you're left with a gorgeous chunky soup ready to help you heal. It couldn't be easier, and there's enough to last you throw the week. So you can get back to watching reruns of Ellen in your pyjamas! Whatever helps you heal right?

I hope you enjoy this Winter Lentil & Chunky Vegetable Soup, and that it's just what the doctor ordered. Time for me to hop back into bed to nap off this headache, but first, I think I'll comfort myself with a big bowl of this healing soup.

Winter Lentil & Chunky Vegetable Soup

Serves: 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 mins| Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

2 white onions
3 garlic cloves
2 tbsp coconut oil
3 large carrots
3 sticks celery
3 white potatoes
pinch sea salt
6-7 cups vegetable broth, plus more if desired
1 head cauliflower
1 head broccoli
2 cups red lentils, uncooked
pinch sea salt and pepper
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
more sea salt and pepper
cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions:

Begin by dicing your onion and garlic. Add to a large saucepan with coconut oil and bring to medium heat. Cook onions stirring occasionally until they become translucent in colour, approx. 10 minutes.
Thinly slice your carrots and celery, and add to the saucepan. Chop your potatoes and add. Sprinkle veg with a pinch of sea salt and cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally it begins to soften, approx. 10 minutes.
Add your vegetable broth and bring soup to a simmer. Chop your cauliflower and broccoli into bite sized pieces and toss into the soup. Toss in lentils, add sea salt and pepper and let soup simmer for approx. 20 minutes or until cooked to desired consistency.
When soup is ready add the fresh parsley. Stir to combine. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and cayenne pepper if desired.

Approvals: