Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Try this smooth, filling soup. The lentils provide slow digesting carbohydrate, protein, and are high in fiber, therefore this soup will keep you satisfied for hours!  The soluble fiber in lentils can help lower cholesterol, too!

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
• 2-6 garlic cloves, diced
• 3 ribs celery, chopped (3/4 cup)
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 cups red lentils
• 7-8 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 large can pumpkin (no sugar)
• ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• Lots of Tabasco

Instructions

1. Combine onion, garlic, celery, carrots, lentils and broth or water in a soup pot.  Bring to a boil.
2. Lower heat and simmer, covered, 30 minutes or until vegetables are soft and lentils have turned to mush.
3. Add pumpkin and spices and simmer until all is blended.
4. Add Tabasco to taste.

Makes 8-10 Servings

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Protein: 11 gram
• Carbohydrate: 33 grams
• Sugars: 7 gram
• Dietary fiber: 7 grams

Source: Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn