Lentil and Brown Rice Soup
Try this lentil and brown rice soup recipe.
Try this lentil and brown rice soup recipe.
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 large carrots peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks diced
- 3 tablespoons unrefined cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil or c
- 1 pound fresh tomatoes peeled, seeded and chopped or 1 14.5-ounce can, drained ( i used 1/2 box pomi)
- 8 cups chicken stock vegetable stock, turkey stock, or water
- 2 cups french lentils picked over and rinsed (you can use whatever lentils you can find, such as black or puy, but note that cook times may vary)
- 2 big handfuls spinach kale or chard (ribs removed), coarsely chopped in large pieces
- 1/2 cup brown rice cooked according to package directions or add with lentils and increase liquid by an additional 1 cup
- Carbohydrate 34.3295276273236 g
- Cholesterol 14.400000012173 mg
- Fat 6.29484976403589 g
- Fiber 2.47968026257089 g
- Protein 14.1887216172254 g
- Saturated Fat 1.64583431758585 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (612g)
- Sodium 729.319869559415 mg
- Sugar 31.8498473647527 g
- Trans Fat 0.493190863832511 g
- Calories 252 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat.
- Add carrots, celery, onion and garlic and cook, stirring until tender.
- Stir in tomatoes and cook for a minute.
- Add stock, lentils, uncooked brown rice (if you're adding it here), thyme and 2 teaspoons salt.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
- Pull out the thyme sprigs and discard.
- Add greens and stir until wilted.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- If you didn't add raw brown rice to the pot with your lentils, add the cooked brown rice to the pot now or put a little in each bowl and ladle the soup on top.
My Comfort Food: A Simple Lentil and Brown Rice Soup
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school runs, work deadlines, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and household chores, sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy. And for me, that's a warm bowl of comforting lentil and brown rice soup. This isn't just any soup; it's a culinary hug in a bowl, a testament to the simple pleasures of good food and even simpler preparation.
I discovered this recipe a few years ago when I was searching for quick, healthy, and budget-friendly meals. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. I can easily adjust the ingredients based on what I have on hand and what my family is craving. Sometimes I add a splash of extra virgin olive oil for richness, other times I might throw in some chopped zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies. The beauty of this soup lies in its adaptability. It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. The fundamental ingredients, however—the hearty lentils, the wholesome brown rice, the earthy carrots, celery, and onions—remain constant. They form the bedrock of this nourishing and flavourful masterpiece.
This soup is far more than just a meal; it's a symbol of my commitment to providing my family with wholesome, nourishing food without sacrificing my precious time. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. On busy weeknights, it's a lifesaver. The ingredients are usually available in my pantry, and the cooking process is incredibly straightforward. I often prepare a large batch on a Sunday, and we enjoy it throughout the week for lunches and dinners. The flavors deepen and intensify as the soup sits, making each subsequent serving even more delicious.
Beyond its practicality, this soup holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of simpler times, of cozy nights spent around the kitchen table with my family. The aroma alone evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and togetherness. It's a dish that transcends the everyday; it's a small act of love and care, a tangible expression of my commitment to my family's well-being. It's about more than just sustenance; it's about creating memories, fostering connections, and sharing a delicious, nourishing meal together.
The vibrant colors of the carrots, celery, and lentils are a visual feast in themselves. And the earthy aroma, mingling with the subtle sweetness of the carrots and the savory depth of the lentils, is a delicious prelude to the comforting flavors to come. This soup is the perfect embodiment of simplicity and satisfaction. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most straightforward dishes offer the greatest rewards.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Boost the protein: Stir in some cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Make it creamy: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier texture.
- Add different greens: Kale, spinach, and chard all work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh parsley, rosemary, or oregano can add interesting layers of flavor.
- Use different lentils: Brown or green lentils will also work well, though cooking times may vary.
This lentil and brown rice soup is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary journey, a celebration of simple ingredients and uncomplicated flavors. It's a dish that nourishes the body and warms the soul. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time for a little comfort and a lot of good food.
