Recipe: Lentil Soup (for the WHOLE family!)

Ahhh, it's winter here in Arizona and that means it is less than 80 degrees out (although darn close to it) and there area few clouds in the sky and this strange wet stuff coming out of them every now and then. My days in Portland taught me that "stuff" might be called rain. In fact, Sweet R (who spent the first 2.5 years of her life in Portland) asked me this morning if "the sun was still eating breakfast and not ready to work yet...." on her way to preschool. Clearly, she has blocked all memories of her days in the beautiful PNW...

Well, this "blustery" weather has me thinking about soup. Yumm...I love soup. And so do both of my kiddos. The "Mr" is a little harder to convince... Well, this one shows promise and I think even he may just consider this one a full meal. The best part, it can totally be made into any consistency that the tiny tummies in your house can get behind!

Lentil Soup

 

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Shannon from Squooshi (www.squooshi.com)

When to Introduce: The ingredients in this dish are really safe for any age (over 6 months)- nothing that is highly allergenic. Flavors are mild, but a great use of spices makes this a super dish to broaden your little one's culinary pallet (be sure to ask a pediatrician if you have any questions)

Why We Love It: This dish is truly a comfort food that the whole family can enjoy together. A healthy blend of veggies and lentils packs a nutritional punch while also providing a hearty meal. And, you can easily make this dish into any consistency that your family enjoys...puree a little longer for new eaters and enjoy as soup for the big kiddos and adults!

Ingredients

1/2 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red or white potato, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup red lentils
2 1/2 cups water
2 carrots, sliced
1/2 cup fresh spinach or kale
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. In a medium-size pot, saute onion in olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes.
 

2. Add all the other ingredients.
 

3. Cover and simmer for approx. 30 minutes.
 

4. Serve as soup for the "big kids" and use your blender or other food-processing device to puree to desired consistency for the wee ones!
   

Servings: Depends on the size of the appetites in your house, but will make 2 large bowls for the "big kids" and 1-2 medium sized servings for the littles!

Mmmmm.....soup!