Fit Fridays: Sweet Potato, Red Lentil and Coconut Soup

Week 3 of our healthy eating / living competition and I think I’ve hit a bit of a slump.  Luke was away this week so I couldn’t get to my classes and the temperatures in Scituate dipped to record lows.  We’re talking single digit temperatures which made me crave comfort foods, sweets and white hot chocolate.  I’ll have to share the white hot chocolate recipes with you soon (but not as fit fridays’ one as it is high in all the wrong things!).

I did get to a class this morning (hence the late post!).

If you also are craving comfort foods, I have the perfect Sweet Potato and Red Lentil soup recipe.  I made this yesterday.

It is a very easy recipe and so filling because of the sweet potatoes and lentils.  The light coconut milk adds sweetness and the curry powder reminds me of currys in Bristol and London.  You probably already have many of the ingredients in your home so it is quick and easy to whip off if you need a winter warmer like I did.

Sweet Potato, Red Lentil and Coconut Soup

Serves 4-6

4 cups chicken stock ( you can also use vegetable broth)

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin and curry powders, and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.  Add diced onions with 1/2 tsp of sea salt, and cook stirring until tender, about 6 minutes.  Add garlic, and cook stirring another 2 minutes.

Add diced sweet potatoes, and diced red peppers, and cook for several minutes.  Add red lentils and stock, and bring to a bubbling boil, then turn down the heat to medium low and allow to simmer until the lentils are tender. About 20 to 25 minutes.  Remove from the heat, and stir in coconut milk.  Serve and enjoy!

Hope this soup helps you warm up and curb those comfort food cravings!  Happy weekend everyone and don’t forget to share your creativity this Sunday at Silver Pennies Sundays Link Parties.