Lentil soup is a staple in my kitchen during winter. It's easy to prepare and easy to digest. These spices warm up our internal body as we brave the winter cold externally. Let's get to it.
Ingredients
1 cup lentils (brown).
6 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 Tbl ghee/or olive oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
4 Tbl coarsely chopped fresh cilantro.
2 cups of roasted veggies of choice
Directions
1. Sort, wash and drain the lentils.
2. Combine the lentils, water, cinnamon stick and spices in a large pot, except the cumin and mustard seeds. Stirring occasionally, bring to a full boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer, once it boils. Cook for one hour or until the lentils are soft and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add water as needed to cook lentils to desired consistency.
3. Heat the ghee/oil in a small saucepan over high heat. When it is hot, add
the cumin and mustard seeds then fry until the seeds turn brown, careful as they will pop and burn if left in too long. Put a small amount of soup into the cooked spices and mix, then pour into the larger pot. Cover for 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Serve garnished with roasted veggies and cilantro.
Serves 4-6 people. You can also blend this up for a smoother finish. I usually blend for my kids and add lime juice right before serving with a piece of sourdough.
This warms the internal body and pacifies Kapha Dosha with the cinnamon and mustard seeds. The cumin, coriander and turmeric are tridoshic (good for all bodies).
Ayurvedic medicine has a rich history. Originally shared as an oral tradition, Ayurveda was recorded more than 5,000 years ago in Sanskrit, in the four sacred texts called the Vedas: the Rig Veda (3000-2500 BCE), Yajur Veda, Sam Veda, and Atharva Veda (1200-1000 BCE). In Ayurveda, each season is associated with a dosha, or body type.
Do you know your body type? Email me and I'll send you a free assessment.
Namaste