Curried Pea, Bean, & Lentil Soup

A gentleman from my workplace saw me looking at a lentil recipe in a magazine at work.  I pointed it out – how I thought it looked tasty and healthy, how I was trying to incorporate more healthy items into my everyday cookery.  Within days he showed up with a Ciao magazine – with this recipe – one of his favs to cook at home.  

This was the perfect day to try this new spot ‘o’ soup.  It was a “hair” day, which meant that I’d be busy cutting hair most of the morning.  At the end of these mornings, I’m usually crazy hungry, and will seek out the first and easiest thing to eat.  I had a break in-between clients, and so I knew I’d have enough time to have this prepared by the time I was finished – and that I’d be peckish.

Here is the recipe for the soup that I made this morning.  (The suggestions I received from the originator and the actual recipe will follow.)

Curried Pea, Bean, & Lentil Soup

2 litres water
4 chicken bouillon cubes
1 stick celery, sliced thin
½ cup dry green split peas
¾ cup dry green lentils
½ cup dry small white navy beans
½ lb peeled carrot, chopped medium
¾ tsp curry powder
½ tsp dry mustard
½ tsp chili powder

Add water, bouillon cubes, celery, peas, lentils, beans and carrots to a large pot, cooking at medium high heat until boiling.  Stir often.

Reduce heat to medium, add curry, mustard, and chili and continue to stir often.    Simmer for about 2 hours.

Actual recipe items: 

-          Use 2 litres vegetable stock, instead of water and bouillon cubes. 
-          Include ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced, with the stock, beans, and vegetables. 
-          Spices, in total called for:  ¾ tsp curry powder, ¾ tsp turmeric and ¼ tsp cumin.
-          Wait until the soup has had a chance to boil for 20 minutes to add spices.  Simmer for 40 minutes following the addition of the spices

Ron’s Suggestions: 

-          Add 4 crispy slices of bacon.  (In the first step.)
-          Use canned lentils; add them in later

Overall – it was a success!  I have a few things to try with it next time. (Always promising to plan the “next” time!)

 
Luanne’s Things to Try Next Time: 
-          Add 4 crispy slices of bacon. 
-          Try with one less chicken bouillon cube. (It was too salty.)
-          Try with a squirt of lemon or lime to cut the “bean-y” taste a wee bit.
-          Try with the turmeric.