RAINY DAY COLLARDS AND LENTIL SOUP

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Rainy Day Collards and Lentil Soup image

It's raining cold and damp outside. Inside you'll be all warmed up with this savory, comforting, hearty and nutritious soup. Great to make and freeze for those days that are just to busy to cook. Giving a vegetarian option or for meat eaters with bacon. Top with crispy croutons if desired.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h30m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 slices center-cut bacon or 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, dice
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 small carrot, diced
1 celery rib
3 -5 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 lbs collard greens, stems removed and rough chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb crushed tomatoes
8 cups vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon chili powder, more if you like it hot
1/2-1 teaspoon cumin
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup dried brown lentils or 1 cup green lentil, picked over and rinsed
balsamic vinegar or mirin
fresh basil

Steps:

  • In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat or if using fry bacon till crisp. Set bacon a side.
  • In the oil or bacon fat saute the onions, red pepper, carrots, celery and garlic till tender about 8 minutes. Adding more olive oil if needed.
  • Add the collards they will fill the pot but cook down a lot.Season with salt and pepper.
  • Top with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil then simmer for 50 minutes.
  • Taste to adjust seasonings.
  • Crumble the bacon if using.
  • Garnish the soup with one or all , a drizzle of vinegar, olive oil, bacon bits and fresh basil.
  • Oh! be sure to remove the bay leaf before enjoying.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.3, Fat 0.8, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 392, Carbohydrate 26, Fiber 11.7, Sugar 2.2, Protein 9.4

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