Perfect timing for the cold Winter Days 🌬️❄️

We had a wonderful opportunity to connect, chat, share, and of course nosh at our recent MPW Community Potluck Mixer and Book Swap yesterday. This soup was one of the features - give it a try, and Enjoy!

🥣 Cozy Red Lentil & Sweet Potato Stew

(One-pot | Vegan | Gluten-free | Meal prep friendly)

🍠 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)

• 2 tsp coriander powder (or more)

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• 2 tsp tsp cumin powder (or more)

• 1-2 sweet neem leaves (if you have it)

• 1/2-1 tsp red pepper (optional)

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional but great with sweet potato!)

• 1/2 tsp salt (to taste) + black pepper

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes)

• 4 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1 cup frozen spinach (or handfuls of fresh)

Optional Add-ins: (I added these!)

• A splash of coconut milk for creaminess (1/4–1/2 cup)

• A squeeze of lemon or lime at the end

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Sauté aromatics:
   Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft (5 min).
   Add garlic and ginger, stir for 1 min.

2. Add spices:
   Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toast briefly to release flavor.

3. Add veggies, lentils & liquid:
   Add sweet potato, carrots, rinsed lentils, tomatoes, and broth/water. Bring to a boil.

4. Simmer:
   Lower heat, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils and veggies are tender.

5. Add spinach:
   Stir in frozen spinach. Cook 5 more minutes.
   Optional: Add coconut milk and adjust salt to taste.

6. Finish:
   Add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness. Serve hot!

7. Optional: use an immersion blender and blend a small portion of the soup to make it more creamy/thick

🥄 Serving Ideas:

• Eat as-is in a bowl (chunky stew-style)

• Serve over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal

• Add a dollop of yogurt or drizzle of tahini on top

• Garnish with cilantro or green onion

Enjoy! ❤️

Jess