Lentil Vegetable Soup

Ed Grochowski

I have made this soup enough times that I can confidently post the recipe.

• 2 Russet potatoes
• 1 yellow onion
• Handful baby carrots
• 3 ounces curly kale
• 6 ounces lentils
• Olive oil
• Hot sauce or soy sauce

Chop and rinse potatoes, onions, and carrots. Rinse lentils. Place in medium saucepan. Add enough water to cover the vegetables (a key ingredient is the use of drinking water, not tap water). Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Turn off heat, add chopped kale, and let sit for another 30 minutes. Add olive oil and hot sauce or soy sauce. Makes 2 quarts.

Cauliflower Chili

This vegetarian chili is made in the microwave. I use a ceramic container with a glass lid for microwave cooking.

• 1/3 head cauliflower
• 2 Russet potatoes
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 cup curly kale
• Chili powder
• Coconut oil

Chop and rinse cauliflower, potatoes, and onion. Place in microwave container and microwave for 7 minutes. Add chopped kale. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir in chili powder and coconut oil. Let sit for a few minutes. Makes 1 quart.

Spaghetti and Eggplant

Here is a vegetarian version of a well-known pasta dish. It features the flavorful and versatile eggplant.

• 1 lb whole wheat pasta
• 1 can pasta sauce
• 1 Italian eggplant
• 1 yellow onion
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Cilantro or parsley

Pasta: Add pasta to boiling water. Cook per directions. Drain. Add pasta sauce and olive oil.

Eggplant: Cut off the top and peel the eggplant. Slice into 1 inch cubes. Soak the cubes in water for a minute or two. Discard any loose seeds (they are bitter). Add chopped onion. Place eggplant and onion in a covered container and microwave until soft (about 6 minutes). Let sit for a few minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with minced garlic.

Serve the eggplant over pasta and garnish with cilantro. Makes 3-4 servings.

Avocado Sandwich

Here is an easy sandwich made from a ripe avocado.

• 1 avocado
• 1 tomato
• 1 whole-wheat pita bread
• Yellow mustard
• Optional lettuce and chopped onion

Toast the pita bread and make a sandwich.