Moroccan Lentil Soup

What are lentils?

• Lentils are part of the legume family. They grow in pods with 1 or 2 seeds in each.

How do lentils help nourish my body?

They are high in many nutrients that provide many health benefits.

• Folate: important for cell production, reduction of homocysteine
• Dietary fiber
• Insoluble: aids in digestion  
• Soluble: helps reduce cholesterol
• Iron
• Protein
• B vitamins
• Phosphorous, copper, manganese, zinc, potassium

What do I need to know for purchasing lentils?

• Purchase lentils that are whole not cracked

How do I store lentils?

• Covered with no signs of moisture
• Canned works great, avoid high salt
• Store in airtight, cool, dry, dark place for up to 12 months
• If you purchase at different times store separately
• Different stages of dryness leads to different preparation times

How do I prepare lentils?

• No presoaking is needed
• Cook 3 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of lentils
• Place in boiling water
• Green for 30 minutes; red for 20 minutes
• Remove 5-10 minutes before if you want firmer texture

Enjoy lentils in a salad, pasta, or in a
delicious bowl of our  Moroccan Lentil Soup!





Moroccan Lentil Soup

Ingredients:
2 t. olive oil
2 c. onions, chopped
2 c. carrots, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 t. cumin
1 1/4 t. ground coriander
1 1/4 t. ground turmeric
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. Black pepper
7 c. vegetable broth
2 c. water
3 c. cauliflower
2 1/4 c. lentil
1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes
2 tsp. tomato paste
4 c. spinach or chard, chopped

Directions:

1. Heat oil in soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. 
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon and pepper and cook about 1 minute. 
3. Add broth, water, cauliflower, lentils, tomatoes, and tomato pastel; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered, stirring ocasionally until the lentils are just tender, about 45-55 minutes. 
4. Stir in spinach or chard and cook until just wilted, about 5 minutes. 
5. Top with Greek yogurt,  cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. (These are MUST HAVES - they "delish-ify"  this recipe.)