Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple, and Lentil Soup

     I know, it's a mouthful of a title, but at least it's a tasty mouthful!  This soup may sound a bit strange, but trust me- it's DELICIOUS!!  My meat-loving husband went back over and over and over again for more.  Besides tasting great, with a fantastic variety of flavors, it's also extremely nutritious!  Just google nutrition facts on lentils and sweet potatoes if you don't believe me.  So, before Spring comes, take advantage of one of those wretched cold days and serve this up to lighten your family's hearts! 

INGREDIENTS

1/4 c. butter

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

3 large carrots, peeled and chopped

1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped (I left the skins on mine)

1 onion, chopped

1/2 c. lentils

1/4 tsp. ginger powder

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. paprika

4 c. vegetable broth

DIRECTIONS

     

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place the chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, apple, and onion in the pot. [HINT:  To peel the sweet potatoes, boil them for 15 minutes then immerse in ice water for 15-20 seconds.  At this point you should be able to just use your fingers to skin it, as the potatoes will slip right out of their skins] Stir and cook the apples and vegetables until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.
2. Stir the lentils, ginger, ground black pepper, salt, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and vegetable broth into the pot with the apple and vegetable mixture [The store was out of vegetable broth, so I just used chicken broth]. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the lentils and vegetables are soft, about 30 minutes. 

So easy to cook.  You can cut and peel everything ahead of time if you want and then just pour it all in the pot to cook in the evening.  It is so so so good.  Get ready to wow your family with this one!