Quick and Easy Lentil Soup

lentilsoup
Lentils, a tiny little member of the legume family, but a mighty source of fiber, minerals and vitamins. All at virtually zero fat and calories! These little guys fill you up and keep you full so you don’t go searching in your kitchen for a snack a few hours later (we can all admit to doing this after having a ‘light’ salad for dinner). Sure, lentils aren’t the prettiest to look at, but with just a few spices and ingredients they are extremely satisfying and delicious.

I’ve played around with a few different recipes for lentil soup, but this is my favorite version. It’s simple, quick and easy. What I love most about this recipe is that you can just throw all the ingredients into one pot and let it simmer. In less than an hour, you have a hearty and delicious soup for dinner. It’s perfect for any cold day this winter! (Have leftovers? No worries. It freezes very well!)  Continue reading

Teriyaki Steak with Japanese Vegetable Soup


This recipe was inspired by two things: 1) my quest to eat low- to no-carb dinners that still leave me full and satisfied, and 2) my love for Japanese soups! I came across the original recipe in a Food Network Magazine last year and made it for dinner one night. It came out pretty good, but I’ve played around with it since to enhance the depth of the broth’s flavors and to make a more tender steak. I also changed the vegetables in the recipe to fit my own preferences :). You could add or reduce the amount of vegetables in my recipe, or even use other vegetables. Napa cabbage, spinach, white daikon, radish, snow peas, or sweet potatoes would also work well in this soup. The possibilities are endless!

The broth in this recipe has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tart flavors found in typical Japanese style soups. It is so flavorful and is perfect for any night where you’re looking for a lighter, yet still satisfying, meal. And if you’re in the mood for a Japanese style noodle soup, simply add soba, udon, or ramen noodles to the dish! I’ve added soba noodles a few times and it was absolutely delicious.

So make sure to try out this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for a Japanese inspired meal. You won’t be disappointed! Continue reading