RUTH'S RED LENTIL AND POTATO SOUP

Ruth's Red Lentil and Potato Soup image

I made up this recipe one chilly weeknight to stave off a cold. I was surprised at how delicious the soup was! The file powder makes it nice and thick, but it may be left out. A warm loaf of sourdough bread is all you need to complete your meal!

Provided by RUTH GOOCH

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large sweet onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
4 medium red potatoes, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
3 cloves garlic
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
1 dash pepper
1 quart vegetable broth
1 ½ cups dry red lentils
2 cups water
1 cup roughly chopped kale
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon file powder

Steps:

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and celery. Cook until tender. Mix in the potatoes, carrot, and garlic. Continue to cook and stir about 5 minutes, until the potatoes are well coated with butter. Season the mixture with allspice, cumin, cayenne pepper, cloves, and pepper.
Pour in the vegetable broth, and mix in the lentils. Add water, increasing the amount as necessary to cover all ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and stir in the kale. Cook, stirring occasionally, 35 to 45 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Mix in the cilantro and file powder. Continue cooking about 5 minutes, or to desired thickness.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 163.8 calories, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 5.1 mg, Fat 2.5 g, Fiber 6.9 g, Protein 7.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 171.9 mg, Sugar 3.6 g