So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

How To Make Easy Lentil Soup From Scratch

By Sandra Anderson


Soups are a great way to enjoy a meal and relax with great flavor. They are also simple to make and enjoyed by pretty much everyone. Making a healthy stew is something of an art form but can be done with a little preparation and planning. Making an easy lentil soup provides excellent nutrition and a hearty meal that will fill you up. The ingredients are all fresh and healthy and it can be done in different forms that appeal to different palates.

Most soups are healthy. The various lentils are even more so. They usually consist of several different vegetables mixed into a broth. They can also be made in vegan varieties. This is easily done because most recipes do not call for any meat to be added. The beans themselves provide a great source of protein for the diet. These are recommended for people with health issues that prevent them from digesting meats. It is also great for diabetics that need a healthier diet.

Soaking lentils is not necessary before cooking. This issue is one of the most asked about them. Many different types of beans do require being pre-soaked in order to be soft enough to eat because typical cooking time will not soften them and will overcook the other ingredients in the stew. If you want them to be more easily digested, you can feel free to soak them. But, it is not necessary. It won't hurt them to do so.

Many different ways of making these types of soups exist. You can make them like a vegetable version with more broth and no thickening agents. You can also puree them with stewed tomatoes or other agents that will help thicken them into a nice stew. These are great for dipping grilled cheese sandwiches. Other versions can be enjoyed with other types of bread.

There are several healthy and basic ingredients to add to the mix. Along with the lentils, the basic recipes call for chopped celery, onions, diced carrots, oil, water, vinegar, oregano, basil, and a dry bay leaf for flavor. Adding in stewed or diced tomatoes helps thicken it up a bit while adding a nice red color. Some add spinach for the iron and other benefits.

Blending is an option. Some may want to gently use an immersion blender, but the better option is using the kind with a lid to avoid burns from splattering hot liquid. Blending gives you a nice thick version that is great for dipping grilled cheese sandwiches into. The lighter, non-blended version is great with oyster crackers or other bread to dip.

You can serve the meal with different types of bread. Some enjoy a good Naan bread or English muffins. Others prefer cornbread and heartier flavors. Still more enjoy adding oyster crackers to their bowl. These are also great with a fresh garden salad with some nice dressing on the side.

Most people enjoy one kind of soup or another. Using lentils as a base will provide a tasty and healthy base for any snack or meal. Including a side bread for dipping makes it filling and provides a nice rounded meal. There are lots of versions from green to brown to red that can be made in a thick stew or vegetable soup type of dish.




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