Quick and Easy Lentil Soup

Do you know how hard it is to take a picture of soup? I'm definitely not a food stylist, nor a professional photographer, but I have to admit, this soup isn't exactly photogenic to start with.  This is such an easy and delicious recipe, though, I had to try, regardless of the poor result.

I've never cooked lentils before, and the first time I made it, I made a half batch, just in case we didn't like it.  I thought I might have to cajole my family into eating it, but all if took was one try and it received thumbs up from each of us. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 pound dry lentils
• 2 bags of broccoli slaw
• chicken or vegetable stock (about 8 cups) fresh, packaged, or from bouillon or base.
• 1-2 T dried onion flakes

Cook the lentils according to package directions in about 6 cups of stock, for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.  I just bring it to a boil, then simmer with the lid slightly askew to let the steam escape.  I usually use chicken stock, but if you wanted to make this truly vegetarian you could use vegetable stock. Once the lentils are tender, bring it back to a boil and add the bags of broccoli slaw and the dried onion.  At this point, I usually add a couple more cups of stock, and stir the vegetables down into the liquid.  Bring to a slow boil, then cover and simmer for awhile longer--probably 30 minutes or so, stirring occasionally.  Season to taste. Because the stock is usually salty, I don't add any additional seasoning until right at the end, and then I add a few shake of Tony Chachere's or pepper.

And that's it!  Every time I make this, I tell myself that the next time I'm going to add something to make it little prettier, like a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste.  So far, though, we just over look the dish-waterish appearance and enjoy the flavor!

This recipe is easy, inexpensive, makes a big batch so there's enough for freezing or leftovers, and is one of those dishes that's actually better the next day.

This post is linked to:

Mealtime Monday at Couponing and Cooking
Creating My Way to Success
Martha Mondays at Watch Out, Martha
Make It Pretty Mondays at the Dedicated House
Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Until next time, good cooking, and good eating!