TLC Calming Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup

(From TLC Lifestyle Medicine and Stress Management 21-day Whole Body Reset Challenge)

Sweet Potato soup – a warm, comforting soup made with sweet potatoes, ginger and cumin– all known for their mood boosting properties.

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp. coconut oil/avocado oil/veg broth.
• 1 cup of diced onion
• 1 stick of celery + 1 large leek – diced
• 2 diced carrots
• 1 Tbsp minced/finely chopped garlic
• Fresh ginger – a thumb-sized piece, thinly sliced/diced
• 2 or 3 large peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
• A litre of vegetable broth or water (enough to cover all ingredients)
• ½ or 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1tsp turmeric
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups lentils (raw or cooked) or any legumes for extra protein and fibre

Method:

1. Over medium heat, sauté onion, leeks, celery, carrots, garlic, and ginger in broth or oil.
2. Add spices and sauté for a minute to release oils and flavours.
3. Add sweet potatoes and lentils (or legume of choice)
4. Cover with water and simmer, stirring occasionally and topping up water if necessary.
5. When the veg and lentils are soft, blend half or all the soup with a blender.
6. Serve topped with toasted almonds, fresh parsley/coriander.
7. Add calming and anti-inflammatory herbs like rosemary, oregano and thyme while the soup is cooking.