What's For Dinner: Turmeric Lentil Soup

January often arrives like a hushed whisper after the bright carols of December. It's a time when the world outside feels fresh and still, inviting us to slow down, to breathe a little deeper. For me, these cooler, longer evenings are an invitation to find comfort in the simplest things – a good book, a quiet corner, and a bowl of something warm that feels like a gentle hug from the inside out. There’s a particular solace in a meal that asks little of us but offers so much in return.

This Turmeric Lentil Soup is exactly that kind of blessing. It’s not about rushing or accomplishing; it’s about being. Being present with the aroma as it fills the kitchen, being nourished by its earthy warmth, and being grateful for the simple provision it offers. It’s a humble dish, yes, but one that carries a quiet strength, much like the gentle perseverance we often find ourselves needing in the new year. It’s a reminder that even in the ordinary, there is extraordinary goodness to be found, a comfort for the soul when the world feels loud or busy.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little warmth)
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice, for serving (optional, but highly recommended!)

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté gently until softened, about 8-10 minutes. This is a lovely time to just stand and stir, watching the colors deepen.
2. Add the minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. The kitchen will fill with a lovely, warming scent.
3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth (or water), diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer peacefully for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. This is a perfect opportunity for a quiet moment, perhaps with a cup of tea.
5. Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust any seasonings as needed.
6. Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if you wish, and a bright squeeze of lemon juice. The lemon truly wakes up the flavors.

As you gather around a bowl of this soup, I hope you find a moment of peace, a quiet space in your day. May it warm you, nourish you, and remind you of the simple, enduring gifts we're given each day – the comfort of home, the sustenance of food, and the grace of quiet reflection. In these January days, when life can still feel busy despite our best intentions to slow down, finding these small anchors of comfort feels like a truly precious thing.

What small, simple comforts are bringing you peace in this quiet season?

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Photo by Kelsey Chance (@kelseychance)

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