After visiting the East Coast for Thanksgiving, I realized just how hard it is to continue to eat healthy in the winter. Enter The Best Detox Lentil Soup recipe to combat all the winter feels, and keep you on a healthy path in between the Holidays.
As soon as I felt the cold weather, I started craving warm carb loaded goodness to heat up my insides. Add to that the Holiday season treats and there is your winter 10lbs! When I got home, not only did I feel like I needed a detox plan, but I also still wanted warm, hearty meals. The best detox lentil soup fits the bill perfectly. It’s hearty, healthy, delicious, totally satisfying and filled with nutrients and antioxidants instead of empty carbs.
Do You Have to Soak Lentils Before Cooking?
Are Lentils Good For You?
A Note on Kale
Previously, I would only buy and use curly kale. And I did not realize the error of my ways until I went to the fall menu reveal at True Food Kitchen. The chef talked about how curly kale doesn’t have as much flavor and it’s really just used as decoration with seafood displays. Darn it.
I thought I was doing so good with all of my kale eating. After that realization I found that my local store totally has tons of kale varieties and I can’t wait to sample all of them. No more eating seafood display kale for me—I’m on to better things with Lacinato or Dinosaur kale. It’s called Dinosaur kale because the leaves resemble the texture of a reptile skin. They are definitely rough, which is why restaurants massage their kale for salads. Since we are dropping this kale into a soup, we do not have to give it a rub down.
I’ve also stopped eating raw kale all together, I found it was hard for my body to digest it. But it’s a perfect addition to the best detox lentil soup recipe.
How to Make the Best Detox Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup butternut squash (peeled and cubed, you could also use sweet potatoes!)
- 2 cups carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 1 cups potatoes (chopped)
- 1 cups celery (chopped)
- 1 cup green lentils ( you can use the pre-cooked version from Trader Joe’s!)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoons of cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add at the end:
- 2-3 cups of Lacinato or Dinosaur kale (stems removed, chopped )
- Slivers of parmigiano reggiano
Directions
- Add extra virgin olive oil to the pot, and place all the chopped ingredients in the pot. Sauté all of the vegetables for 5-7 minutes.
- Now add 4 cups of broth, lentils and seasoning to the pot. Let cook on medium until the vegetables are cooked through. If you are using uncooked lentils, let the mixture simmer for longer and add more broth if necessary, until the lentils are soft.
- (Optional) Take out one ladle of the soup, and puree it in a blender. I used my ninja and it worked perfectly. I also pureed the soup for the baby and it was a hit! Add the puree mixture back to the pot, this really helps create a velvety texture to the soup.
- Now stir in the kale.
- Back to the soup. Let the pot simmer for a while. Add salt and pepper to taste, and then serve with a generous amount of Parmesan. Just so it doesn’t feel too healthy.
Can You Freeze Lentil Soup?
This soup really does taste better the next day, and satisfies the craving for a good and hearty meal. Hope you give it a try. The best detox lentil soup also freezes very well. It’s a perfect protein-packed meal to have in your freezer.
Print The Best Detox Lentil Soup Recipe
The Best Detox Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup butternut squash (peeled and cubed, you could also use sweet potatoes!)
- 2 cups carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 1 cup potatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup
celery (chopped)
- 1 cup
green lentils ( you can use the pre-cooked version from Trader Joe's!)
- 1
onion (chopped)
- 4
4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 cups
vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp
cumin
- 2
bay leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Add at the end
- 2-3 cups Lacinato or Dinosaur kale (stems removed, chopped )
- Slivers of parmigiano reggiano for garnish
Instructions
- Add extra virgin olive oil to the pot, and place all the chopped ingredients in the pot. Sauté all of the vegetables for 5-7 minutes.
- Now add 4 cups of broth, lentils and seasoning to the pot. Let cook on medium until the vegetables are cooked through. If you are using uncooked lentils, let the mixture simmer for longer and add more broth if necessary, until the lentils are soft. Simmer for about 50 minutes
- (Optional) Take out one ladle of the soup, and puree it in a blender. I used my ninja and it worked perfectly. Add the puree mixture back to the pot, this really helps create a velvety texture to the soup.
- Now stir in the kale.
- Let the pot simmer for a while.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and then serve with a generous amount of Parmesan. Just so it doesn't feel too healthy.
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7 Comments
[…] Health Benefits of Lentil Soup:Lentils help to lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, promote weight loss and are a GREAT source of protein and fiber. Lentils are good for gut health, lowering blood sugar and fighting heart disease. In terms of health, because lentils are a source of prebiotic fiber, which is the type your gut bacteria prefers, they can help improve gut health, Garrison say Brown, green, yellow, red or black — lentils are low in calories, rich in iron and folate and an excellent source of protein. They pack health-promoting polyphenols and may reduce several heart disease risk factors. They’re easily cooked in 5–20 minutes, which — like soaking — reduces their antinutrient content. If you’re looking for the ultimate weight loss detox lentil soup, check out this recipe. […]
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Awesome pic! This looks like a great comfort food especially on cold weather. Makes me hungry, I truly need a bowl of lentil soup!