The days seem to get busier and busier as the holiday approach which means, I need all the simple recipes I can get my hands on.
My Tomato Basil Veggie Lentil Soup Recipe was created with this in mind—keeping things simple in the kitchen, so I can fill my body up with the best nutrients—while having the freedom to do what matters most.
It is my hope this recipe will help you do the same! 😃
Beauty Fruit: Tomatoes
When it comes to healthy looking skin and looking and feeling our best, tomatoes are a fruit that should be added to your beauty routines whenever possible. This is because they contain high level of lycopene—a substance used in some of the more pricey facial cleansers you find at department stores.
Tomatoes contain the following nutrients (among many others):
- Copper
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Niacin
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Thiamin
- Vitamins A
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B6
With all those listed above, tomatoes really do contain a great deal of antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the blood. This is great news since free radicals in the blood stream can lead to cell damage.
Note: The redder the tomato the more beta-carotene it contains. In addition, cooking destroys the Vitamin C, so if you’re looking to benefit from the beta-carotene , the tomatoes should be eaten raw.
Not only will you benefit by eating these plump juicy guys, but they also help topically. When you peel 8-12 tomatoes and place them on your face (the insides of the tomato touching your skin), for at least 10 minutes (then washing), your face will feel super clean and shiny. If you do happen to experience a bit of redness, this will fade over time, leaving your skin feeling fresh and vibrant looking.
Beauty Herb: Basil
I absolutely love basil and how easily it adds a pop of flavor to any dish, including this one. Basil has an amazing aroma and unique flavor that can be used in soups, salads, and my Glowing Green Smoothie®.
Here are a few other benefits to using this versatile herb:
- Basil has anti-microbial activity which fights against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses, being a great immune-booster (particularly when heading into cooler months).
- Basil contains powerful essential oils, such as, eugenol, citronellol and linalool. These are enzyme-inhibiting oils that help in lowering inflammation, being an excellent anti-inflammatory.
- Basil also produces a detoxifying enzyme which keeps out liver cleansed and in top function, aiding in removing unwanted waste for our gut.
Beauty Veggies
If you want to keep your body running efficiently, then greens are one of the most important food groups. They are the most nutrient-dense of all foods and full of alkaline minerals and fiber.
Veggies also make up your key Beauty Foods which regenerates and purifies your cells—keeping your skin glowing, your hair strong and your eyes beautifully bright!
This soup is loaded with everything from broccoli and carrots, to celery and onions—providing you with an excellent variety of nutrients. Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice- you really can’t go wrong. Plus, it will help bring out the creative chef in you. 👩🏻🍳
Beauty Protein: Lentils
I don’t know about you but I love lentils, and not just because of their taste, but because they help me to create recipes that are quick and easy (since they too, are easy to prepare), and absorb flavors spectacularly.
One cup of lentils has 18 grams of easy to digest (and assimilate), plant protein, with loads of minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients.
Legumes and beans are nature’s “oops”, which contains both protein and starch, and therefore, can be more difficult to digest. I suggest soaking them overnight and rinsing them well before you consume them.
Just remember, even though canned lentils can be found in grocery stores, I don’t encourage them unless you’re in a bind. This is because they lose a lot of their nutritional value which is the complete opposite of what we’re trying to achieve here. Because lentils cook pretty easily, I say, try to make them yourself whenever possible, and you will see just how easy they are prepare.
With the high nutritional value that lentils have and how available they are throughout the year, it’s time to start adding this beautifying food into your meals!
Prepare ingredients.
In a large stock pot, heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil over medium heat. Add onion, broccoli carrots, celery, and saute until starting to soften. Add garlic and continue to saute another minute.
Add 6 cups vegetable broth, tomatoes, thyme, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in lentils and tomato paste. Partially cover pot and simmer for 45 minutes or until lentils are tender. Add more broth if needed, but I like this soup thick like a stew.
Stir in spinach. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
When you’re ready to eat, serve lentil soup with a fresh basil garnish. Enjoy!
See full soup recipe below…
- • 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- • ½ cup diced carrots
- • ½ cup diced celery
- • 6-8 cups vegetable broth
- • 4-5 medium size tomatoes, diced
- • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- • ½ teaspoon dried basil
- • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- • 1 teaspoon salt
- • 2 cups green lentils, rinsed and picked over for stones
- • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- • 3-4 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- • fresh basil, for garnish
- • ½ yellow onion, diced (Optional)
- • 2 cloves garlic, minced (Optional)
- • 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- In a large stock pot, heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil over medium heat. Add onion, broccoli carrots, celery, and saute until starting to soften. Add garlic and continue to saute another minute. (If using garlic)
- Add 6 cups vegetable broth, tomatoes, thyme, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Stir in lentils and tomato paste. Partially cover pot and simmer for 45 minutes or until lentils are tender. Add more broth if needed, but I like this soup thick like a stew. Stir in spinach. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
- When you're ready to eat, serve lentil soup with a fresh basil garnish
Let me know what your favorite soup is, and don’t forget to add this recipe to your Dinner Recipes Pinterest Board!
Love,
Kimberly
I need all the free time I can get to play with this Lil guy- that’s why I love this recipe- for it’s ease and nutrient-packed ingredients. Lots of love to you Beauties! xo
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