Lentils....and more.

Tonight I made my lentil soup for the first time since we moved here. It is something I have been making for years, and it was sooooo comforting. I think part of feeling at home is partaking in personal ritual. What a content feeling it was to be cooking up soup on a rainy day.

Also, making the soup reminded me of my Cheap Eats post from earlier on this blog. I thought I would try and post some of my efforts to eat on a budget.

So, here goes:

Basic Lentil Soup

This recipe is from the More With Less cookbook.

Estimated cost: $5.00 max.

Serves: Two dinner meals for TJ and I, with bread. (I made 1 1/2 recipes tonight, to stretch it for a third meal).

1 1/4 cup lentils

6 cups water

Cook for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.

Add:

2 carrots

1/2 cup sliced green onions (I usually just use chopped yellow onion)

1 1/2 cup tomato juice (or tomato sauce, or crushed or diced tomatoes)

1/2 cup minced parsley (I didn't have any fresh or frozen tonight, so went without)

1 clove garlic, crushed (I usually add two)

1 T. margarine or butter

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

fresh pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer. just until carrots are tender.

Check seasonings and serve.

Tonight I partially blended my lentils and diced tomatoes, then added the carrots and spices to cook.