Same Kind of Different...

I just finished reading Same Kind of Different As Me yesterday afternoon & immediately following, I went to see the movie, The Blind Side (finally). I know this has absolutely nothing to do with food, cooking, or nutrition...but it has everything to do with pursuing your God-given passion & walking through life with your eyes wide open.

I am thankful to have identified a passion of mine & most especially, the chance to share that with you.

Mondays, are usually a "free day" for me in the kitchen...meaning I free myself from the kitchen. It happens that it is my family's busiest day of the week, so I try to have something from the weekend leftover to enjoy, or we treat ourselves to a very simple night out. But this was a holiday...Martin Luther King day...another reminder of a man who pursued his God-given passion with a vengeance. So today, I prepared a simple meal...thankful for the freedom to do so!

Rustic Lentil Soup
4-5 servings

1 1/4 cup organic green lentils, rinsed
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cups butternut squash (or sub carrots), 1/2" dice
1 (14.5 oz) can organic stewed tomatoes
1 cup organic chicken stock
1 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 tsp smoky paprika
Parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add lentils and cook for 20 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions & saute until onions are translucent Add squash, tomatoes, chicken stock & seasonings. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes. Drain the lentils & stir them in. Bring back up to a simmer for about 5 more minutes. Add more salt if needed. Sprinkle individual servings with parmesan cheese & enjoy!!

Lentils: excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, folic acid, & potassium; good source of iron & phosphorus; also contain some important minerals & B vitamins; excellent combined with brown rice as their amino acids are complimentary; a great alternative for a savory breakfast

Bon Appetit,

Cenee'