Thursday, November 17, 2011

"No Gas" Lentil Soup: Cheap and Healthy

First I used red lentils b/c they are easier to digest than the traditional brown (see my post on lentils.)
The key to gas free pulses like lentils (and beans) is soaking and rinsing.  Boiling.  And rinsing and soaking.  You want to remove as many of the undigestible proteins as possible.

Lentil Instructions
-Soak at least 24 hrs in the fridge (If you soak more because you don't get around to cooking them, change the water every day.)
-Rinse when you are ready to cook.  Strain and rinse again.  Put in a pot.  Add water about an inch over the lentils.  Bring to a slow boil on low.  Strain.  Put back in pot with new water.  Repeat twice.  Keep water an inch over the lentils.
-Make a big batch so the effort is worth it.

Soup
-When lentils begin to soften add cut carrots and onion.
-Add a bouillon
-Chili and/or taco seasoning or chile peppers to taste
-also added dried sage and thyme
-2 tbs garlic paste (any garlic)
-keep on low 'til most of the water cooks out (or cook in slow cooker)
-When cooked add fresh herbs.  I added cilantro.
-serve with baby spinach

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