There are many reasons to eat soup. It’s not only tasty and affordable, but a steaming bowl of vegetable soup also has anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties that come in handy during the flu season. In fact, according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, soup is also something you should eat for weight lose.
Researchers found that, on average, soup eaters weighed less and had smaller waists than those who didn’t eat it. This is because, they ate fewer calories and grams of fat per day.
How to start a healthy soup habit
If you eat soup as a starter, you’ll eat 20% less than those who dove head first into a main meal. So, indulge in a bowl before lunch and dinner for better overall eating habits. You’ll be amazed at the results. Soup, however, isn’t just good for cutting calories, it also boosts your immune system. It’s loaded with protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals that your body needs. I’m not talking about the instant stuff, but, delicious and healthy homemade soup. And, I have just the perfect recipe.
Lentil soup recipe
Ingredients
· 500g lentil mix
· 1 litre vegetable stock
· 2 bay leaves
· Small bunch finely chopped parsley
· Freshly ground black pepper
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 medium onion – chopped
· 1 clove of garlic – chopped
· 2 carrots – finely chopped
· 1 small tomato – chopped
· 1 red pepper – chopped
· 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
· 1 tablespoon ground cumin
· 50g rice
Method:
1. Place your lentils in a large saucepan and add bay leaves, stock and parsley.
2. Bring to the boil and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Then leave to simmer, partly covered on reduce heat.
3. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the onion gently until softened for around five minutes.
4. Add the carrots, garlic, tomato and red pepper and fry gently for five minutes.
5. Season with freshly ground pepper,salt, paprika and cumin and remove from the direct heat.
6. Add the onion and rice to your simmering soup.
11. Simmer until the lentils are tender (+- 45 minutes).
Why I prefer lentils?
Lentils are a great source of zinc, niacin, potassium, calcium and vitamin K, but are particularly rich in dietary fiber, lean protein, folate and iron. You can also add lentils them to salads and meat dishes.
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