This past week I often wondered “is it me?” or “is it them?” when pondering the roller coaster world of photo shoots. To put it mildly this past week was one for the books in all ways. I am still reeling a bit from the drama, the multitudes on all the various sets, the daily mental Rorschach test I needed to do to keep things balanced. Do you have weeks like that?
Along with “the crazy” there are some very good things afoot….one good this weekend is that we “spring forward”into Daylight Savings time and I, for one, love it when I get that extra hour of natural light at the end of the day. It was also International Women’s Day this past week. I hope you celebrated all the great women in your lives… mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, friends, every last one. Another good thing was I made comforting, healthy, warm and cozy lentil soup. When the going gets tough, the tough make soup! Soup and laughter can get you through a lot.
Red Lentils, tomatoes, broth, chopped fresh bok chop, lemon juice all cooked together with some herbs served piping hot with an additional squeeze of fresh lemon and toasted baguette slices. Easy, quick and cozy.
Lentils are full of good things as well. An edible legume, they are rich in complex carbohydrates which will boost metabolism and help burn body fat. The are a good source of fiber, low in fat and are good sources of folate and magnesium. Lentils are gluten-free as well. You can have a pot of lentils ready to eat in about 30 minutes more or less which is another good thing.
The lemons add a wonderful flavor layer to this soup which is a cross of tomato soup and lentil soup with a bok choy twist. Enjoy. I you have leftover, freeze for later. It’s nice to have some good things ready and waiting for when the days get tough!
Good Things Lentil-Tomato Soup with Bok Choy and Lemon
Ingredients
- 1 pound of dried red lentils (or any other)
- 1 can of cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes with juice
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice of two lemons
- 2 to 3 cups water as needed
- 1 bunch of bok choy, trimmed and chopped
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving
- toasted baguette slices for serving
Directions:
- Rinse lentils well in mesh strainer. Place in a stock pot.
- Add can of tomatoes with juice, garlic cloves, broth and lemon juice to the pot and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to simmer. Cook, stirring every now and then, until lentils are just beginning to soften, 20 minutes or so. Add water as lentils cook if needed.
- Stir in chopped bok choy and cook for another 10 minutes or until lentils are soft but not mushy. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve piping hot in bowls with lemon wedges for squeezing into soup and toasted baguette slices.
- Note: You can freeze leftovers for later if you like or enjoy for lunches later in the week.
Teresa Blackburn. www. teresablackburnfoodstyling.com
Looks delicious!! 💕
Thanks Bernice. I appreciate your stop over here at Food on Fifth.
I wish I had some right now. I’m going to make this. Yum yum
I have a jar frozen…you can have on Sunday if you remember to ask…it is pretty delicious.
Now I have a plan for Sunday dinner! Looks great!
It really was a good one and as you know how we cook, just adjust where you like to suit your and David’s palate. xoxox
DELICIOUS
Well thank you my dear man! Soup means love.
It’s a little tough to get used to in the mornings, but I also love “fast time” as my Western KY grandmother called it.
Yep….I’m still adjusting. But love the abundance of light everyday.
Love the color of your soup…the red of the lentils and tomatoes, the green of the bok choy. A comforting meal and pretty too.
Thank you Karen. Happy Spring.
Healthy!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Yes healthy and delicious.
Actually I’m not so lucky like you who tasted this! Congratulations!
I love Bak Choy and am always trying to think of things to do with it. Thank you for sharing this recipe. Emma xx