Friday, January 7, 2011

Project 365: {7/365}

Today was one of those days that soup was a necessary compliment to the foggy weather. I have a difficult time following a recipe so I am often inspired by one or more and kinda create my own. {This is one of them.} I am not a major meat lover so I often seek protein in alternate sources. Lentils are inexpensive and an incredible source of protein, both Meirabel and I happen to love them. Enjoy!

Tomato-Lentil Soup with Croutons

Serves 6

Ingredients- soup

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 diced onion
2 carrots cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 celery rib cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 minced garlic cloves
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 cup green lentils (rinsed and drained)
2 bay leaves
1 3-inch sprig of rosemary
Salt and pepper
Shredded Gruyere or Parmesan and 
Olive oil, for serving


Preparation

In a medium soup pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, celery and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth, water, crushed tomatoes, lentils, bay leaves and rosemary. Bring the soup to a simmer. Cover and continue to simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes.

Season the soup with salt and pepper and discard the bay leaves and rosemary sprig. To serve, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cheese and croutons. 

Ingredients- croutons

4 slices sprouted grain bread {any bread will work}
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Preparation

Cut bread into 1/2 inch pieces. Melt butter and olive oil together. Line a cookie sheet with foil and place bread cubes on the cookie sheet. Drizzle the oil/butter mixture over the bread cubes and toss with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake in 325 degree oven for 20-30 minutes {take out and turn once during cooking}.

*All ingredients are organic but non organic will work just as well.
** This soup freezes well and the croutons can be kept in an airtight container or ziploc bag for several days. 

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