Rebekah's Insights

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Tuesday’s Tidings

Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite creative activity is devising new recipes, particularly out of ordinary ingredients which I typically have on hand. The week’s menu is typically planned out ahead of time, but I always reserve the right to adjust according to taste, unexpected events, etc. I like to plan at least one day to try something new, be it a recipe I’ve found and wish to try or an opportunity to create my own. They are all more than edible, but tonight I have finally hit on perfecting a soup recipe that is easy, hearty enough for my husband’s tastes, and uses “everyday” ingredients. I thought I might share it for those who like new recipes like me! So here you are:

HEARTY SAUSAGE AND LENTIL SOUP

2 parsnips, finely diced
3 carrots, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
1 medium red onion, finely diced
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp butter
4 C. beef broth
2 C. tomato juice
1 C. lentils, sorted and rinsed (I love lentils because they need not be soaked ahead of time.)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
7-8 oz. kielbasa or smoked sausage, diced

1.) Melt butter in large saucepan or soup pot, then add onion and celery and cook for about 5 minutes. (DO NOT BROWN!)
2.) Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute. (DO NOT LET GARLIC BURN!)
3.) Add beef broth, tomato juice, lentils, parsnips, carrots, black pepper, and oregano.
4.) Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until veggies and lentils are desired (er, soft, but NOT mush) texture, stirring occasionally.
5.) Add sausage and heat through for 5-10 minutes.

Serve with crusty bread or crackers. Serves about 6.

You need not finely dice everything, but with my little ones, I find this makes it easier to eat—especially the sausage. Those seeking a meatless meal should find this works sans the sausage, too—you could add extra lentils and it shouldn’t alter the cook time much. I happened to have the parsnips on hand, along with my usual celery, carrots, and onions, but I'm sure you could use turnips, rutabagas, or even a couple potatoes--though it was REALLY great with parsnips! Also, I prefer beef kielbasa myself and enjoy the richness it lends to the flavors of the broth, but I believe ALL cooking recipes are best altered to suit individual tastes. I’m just pleased I’ve finally found what suits ours! If anyone gives it a try, let me know how it turned out!

Well, briefly, in other news, potty training is going along well for Liam and he enjoys aspiring to be a “big boy!” He continues to amuse us with his vocabulary, like lately when playing with his trains he will tell me that a certain one is "cross, that means mad inside, Momma!" Aine is putting her new walking talent to good use helping to clean up toys each day in the play room. However, I do believe Liam thinks this means he can get twice the number of toys out at one time, because of the extra helping hands. We’re putting a stop to THAT one!

Enjoy your evening!