Simple Red Lentil Sweet Potato Soup
As it is named, this soup is simple to make, yet at the same time it is a crowd pleaser!
1 cup red lentils
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated or cut into very thin slices 4 cups water
1/2 cup mild salsa, chunky style, or 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1 small onions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 -1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1 tablespoon dulse flakes (optional, but highly recommended)
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
Garnish
Sprig of fresh mint or coarsely chopped cilantro
Directions
1. Place lentils, water, salsa, sweet potato and onion in a medium soup pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until lentils are soft.
2. Stir in the spices, dulse, coconut milk and salt. Simmer for another 20-30 minutes. 3. Garnish individual bowls with fresh mint or cilantro just before serving.
Notes
• If you are using store bought salsa my favorite brand for this soup is Green Mountain Gringo.
• Dulse is a sea vegetable which contains minerals that are wonderful for calming the nervous system. Dulse also gives that umami flavor which adds a welcome, somewhat mysterious and satisfying complexity to this simple soup. You can find it at most health food stores including Whole Foods.
