$2 appetizers

[Um_2_4]

This is a simple soup that does not require a lot of extra ingredients: 

1 c lentils (brown usually)

1/2c rice (calrose works best, a starchy rice, not parboiled or instant)

7c water

 

put all this to boil on low.

 

after lentils are soft, puree using stick blender in pot or using a blender. Then add water to thickness desired and 2 T cumin, salt to taste. Return to heat

 

Saute 1 large onion in oil till brown and add about 15 minutes before serving.

Chop a small bunch parsley finely and add 5 minutes before serving.

If you have pita bread, it is awesome to tear it into bite size pieces and fry these (or toast in the oven) and use as croutons in the soup.

 

Edited December 10, 2016 by Um_2_4

[StephanieZ]

This recipe I use sounds similar?

 

Lentil Soup

 

1 small onion, chopped

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

2 cloves minced garlic

2 cups lentils

2-3 cups zucchini or yellow squash

4 cups vegetable broth

1 14 oz can coconut milk

1/2 of a 6 oz can of tomato paste

2 tsp curry powder

heavy pinch cayenne pepper

heavy pinch nutmeg

salt and pepper to taste

 

Combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer for a couple of hours or until everything is tender.  This is easy to throw into a crock pot; set it on low for 4-6 hours.  I like to puree the soup in a blender at the end.  Yummy!

 

Lentils are an ingredient that could sneak into just about anything, so long as they have been precooked.  I bet you could make burgers from cooked lentils mixed with ground meat and an egg or two as a binder, to stretch your protein dollars further.  Lentil puree could be added to dips, sauces, smoothies, doughs, and I doubt most people would notice.

 

YES! She used tomato paste!! This must be her starter recipe. (She's one of those creative cooks who throws in whatever is in the fridge and it comes out divine . . . I can't do that!)