Asian Lentil Soup

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I love soups.  They are a convenient way to pack a lot of nutrition into an easy to eat and easy to digest package, which can be really important to cancer patients who may be encountering challenges in being able — or even wanting — to eat, and getting sufficient nutrition.  Soups are just easy to make, easy to swallow and often times easier to digest than more solid foods.  They also can be made in greater amounts and easily stored or frozen for later, convenient use when you just don’t feel like cooking.  And, really, what spells comfort more than a nice, hot bowl of homemade soup?  It’s the ultimate comfort food, and who among us doesn’t crave some warmth and comfort during the course of our treatments?

I’m also a huge fan of lentils.  They are a versatile food that can be worked into any number of recipes, and are packed with protein, dietary fiber and phytochemicals that may help in the fight against cancer.  This recipe for Asian lentil soup creates a dish that will not only nourish you but awaken your taste buds.  Enjoy, and let us know what you think!

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced thin
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced thin
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped medium
  • 1 bunch bok choy, chopped (use green leaves and 2 inches of white stalk)
  • 2 (15 oz) cans no salt added lentils (or cook 1 cup dry lentils per package direction)
  • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. fresh minced ginger
  • 2 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. organic hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes or to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley finely chopped to garnish

Directions:

  1. Heat oil over medium heat in large pot. Sauté carrots, celery, bell pepper, onion and bok choy until tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Add lentils and remainder of soup ingredients to sautéed vegetables, reserving parsley. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Garnish with parsley and serve.

(Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research (www.aicr.org)).

 

 

Filed Under: Cancer Palate