LEMONY LENTIL SOUP from the THUG COOKBOOK (reposting from November 2014)

Why this recipe: 
Perfect for this upcoming colder weather. 
Super good for you.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, snacking or breakfast. 
Yes, breakfast (time to think outside the cereal box) - why not? It has protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates, clean ingredients and cleansing lemon juice.

Lentils offer both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre is a gel-like substance that grabs onto bad stuff (like toxins and bad cholesterol) in the digestive tract and carries it out of the body. Insoluble fibre not only helps  prevent constipation by adding bulk to your poop [gross, I know], but also acts like a broom, sweeping out your digestive system. Giving it a good cleaning, so to speak. This leads to a very healthy body and mind. This extra fibre helps regulate blood sugar levels, too.

Lentils are an excellent source of B vitamins and magnesium. These nutrients lead to a very calm body. It's like your entire inside breathes a big sigh of relief and relaxes. When the body relaxes, the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients runs smoothly. It is all very positive stuff   :)
The lemon juice in the soup is a gentle cleanser for your liver and helps to alkaline your blood (very important if you live in the world we live in today. Acidity is created by chronic stress [hello], coffee, alcohol, wheat, prescription drugs, lack of sleep.......you know - LIFE.)

PLUS: It is super easy to make and is super quick. Awesome.

LEMONY RED LENTIL SOUP:
*The original recipe is here - in italics are the adjustments I made. 
1 teaspoon olive or coconut oil  1 tablespoon - 1 teaspoon was not enough.
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 russet potato, peeled and cut into cubes about the size of dice. Don't peel your potatoes. Most nutrients are found in the peel or directly under it. I used a Yukon Gold so the peel was more tender and cleaner.
 1 carrot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced. I put in 4 as I find most recipes never have enough of this anti-oxidant rich gem.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. I put in 1 teaspoon and still think it could have used more.
1/4 teaspoon salt. Put in 1/2 teaspoon - you may even need to add more at the end. Please don't fear salt in homemade recipes. Our bodies need sodium. Stay away from ridiculously high levels, of course....like canned soups, processed foods, fast food - you know where that shit is.
2 cups red lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth. Organic is best. Could be chicken stock, if you aren't a vegetarian.
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest. Definitely not enough! I zested a whole lemon and threw that in there.
1 Tablespoon lemon juice. Definitely not enough!! Juice of one whole lemon FOR SURE. I mean, it is LEMONY soup after all. Jeez.
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional). Unless you hate cilantro, this is not optional. It is necessary  :)

Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the onion and saute until soft. Add the potato and carrot. Saute for another few minutes then add the garlic, coriander and cumin. Stir until the coriander and cumin are well combined with the veggies. Add salt, lentils and broth. If you find that you have some stuff sticking to the bottom of your pan, slowly add the broth before the lentils and salt. As you add it, stir with a wooden spoon and 'scrape' the stuff off the bottom of your pot.
Let it simmer, uncovered for about 15 minutes (until lentils are soft). Stir just once in awhile.  Turn off the heat and add the zest and juice.  Adjust seasoning to taste. 
If you like chunky soup. Stop there. If not, blend it for a smoother variety.  "It's your soup, so own that shit". 
Top with cilantro. 
"Big ass cup of cozy". 


This soup feels great. You can sense your body relaxing with every spoonful. It fills you up with goodness. Have it first thing in the morning - it will start you day off right.
Have it as a snack. A cup of this heated up will keep you satisfied until your next meal.
Lunch or dinner with a salad and a piece of clean, crusty baguette - COME ON. How great is that?