Red Lentil Soup ( Lisa's Family Favorite)

Ingredients

1.5 tbsp Olive oil

1 yellow onion diced

2 lg carrots peeled and cut into bite size pieces

4 celery stalks chopped

1 lg zucchini chopped

2 cups of red lentils soaked for 10 minutes and rinsed well

1 lg handful of baby spinach

2 bay leaves

7 cups of vegetable or chicken broth

1 lemon to squeeze

1 tbsp of Better than Bouillon

1/4 tsp salt (The bouillon adds salt so taste before adding)

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in medium stock pot and add onions, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Sauté and soften for a few minutes. Add in lentils, bay leaves, broth, and boullion. Stir and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally until veggies and lentils have soften. May add more broth or water if needed.

Remove Bay leaves. Serve and add a bit of lemon, nutritional yeast, avocado, or parmesan cheese if desired. Great the next day or place in a container to freeze for when you need a quick healthy meal or snack.

Lentils are a great source of protein, pre-biotic fiber, folate and potassium. They are low in fat, rich in minerals and a great addition to help lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, and increase energy. A must on your recipe rotation!

Whole Body Gazpacho

INGREDIENTS:

• 6-7 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 purple onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 sweet red bell pepper seeded and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
• 4-5 cups of tomato juice
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt to taste 

TO PREPARE:

Combine all ingredients and blend to your desired consistency. Store (in a non- metal container) and refrigerate overnight so the flavors can blend together.

Sensational Split Pea Soup

One of the best comforting, healing and healthiest soups out there. High in protein, soluble fiber, low in fat and calories. Split peas also promote good bacteria for your gut, and help reduce cholesterol to improve your overall health.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 1 cup chopped carrots

• 2 Yukon gold potatos (opțional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 bay leaves

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 lb bag dry split peas rinsed

• 6 cups vegetable broth (may want to add more if too thick)

• 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari

• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Chopped fresh parsley, sprouts, fresh peas, or cilantro for topping