Recipe

Broccoli Raab Curry Lentil Soup

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by Brussels Sprouts for Breakfast

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by Brussels Sprouts for Breakfast

This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Greens
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Brussels Sprouts for Breakfast's Notes: As part of my blog this summer, I dedicated a series of posts to the farmers of my farmer's market in Chicago. As often as possible, I take some time out of my weekly market routine to stop...
As part of my blog this summer, I dedicated a series of posts to the farmers of my farmer's market in Chicago. As often as possible, I take some time out of my weekly market routine to stop and talk to the farmers. I hear their stories on why they farm, what kind of crops they raise and the kind of people that help them do the back breaking work. It's been such an amazing experience learning about the food I'm eating. Not only am I buying locally, but I am starting to understand the work and love that goes into the food I buy. It has been a truly lovely experience meeting these people.

One of my first weeks at the market this season, I spoke with a very small farm that was new to the market. They had giant bushels of all sorts of fresh greens. The broccoli rabe was by far the best looking and most fragrant. I snatched some of it up to take home immediately. Now, the last part of my farmer's blog series focuses on the recipes the farmers recommend to me based on what I buy at their stands. Alex (the farmer) shared with me that he had just made a curry rice dish with lots of wilted broccoli raab the night before. This was my inspiration for the Broccoli Raab Curry Lentil Soup that I hope you will all enjoy! It's not much of a summer soup as it's quite hearty and spicy, so enjoy it as fall approaches and the holiday season takes you inside to spend time with family.

http://brusselsforbreak.blogspot.com/2011/06/radical-root-organic-farm-and-broccoli.html

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Makes 6 hearty bowls of soup

2 stalks celery plus leaves (chopped) Ask a question about this ingredient

2 carrots (peeled and chopped) Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 Spanish onion (chopped) Ask a question about this ingredient

3 Russian potatoes (washed and cubed) Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 pound fresh cremini mushrooms (whole if small, or cut in half) Ask a question about this ingredient

2 big bunches! broccoli raab (rinsed and stems trimmed) Ask a question about this ingredient

3 cloves garlic (minced) Ask a question about this ingredient

1 cup uncooked lentils Ask a question about this ingredient

4 cups low sodium organic chicken broth Ask a question about this ingredient

2 cups water Ask a question about this ingredient

1 tablespoon tomato paste Ask a question about this ingredient

1 can whole San Marzano tomatoes (with juice) Ask a question about this ingredient

2 tablespoons curry powder Ask a question about this ingredient

1 tablespoon ground cumin Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon ground red pepper Ask a question about this ingredient

2 bay leaves Ask a question about this ingredient

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Ask a question about this ingredient

olive oil Ask a question about this ingredient

In a large soup pot, heat a hearty amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add celery, carrots and onions with some salt and pepper to release the liquids from the vegetables. After cooking for 5-7 minutes, add tomato paste and garlic and stir to combine. Cook for 3 more minutes. Add the curry, cumin and red pepper and mix to combine. Let cook for 3 more minutes.
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Add the whole can of tomatoes, including the juice, bay leaves, and salt and pepper and give the pot a good mix. Bring to a simmer (about 3-4 minutes). Add the lentils to the tomato and vegetable mixture. Stir in and let cook for 3 minutes.
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Add the chicken broth and water to the pot, turn the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. This will take about 10 minutes. Lower to medium, but the broth should still be lightly boiling. Once boiling add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Next, add the potatoes and let cook for about 5 minutes or until potatoes are soft enough to eat. Lastly, add the broccoli raab and mix it in. It will wilt really quickly, so once you add it, lower the heat. Serve immediately!
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6 Comments on Broccoli Raab Curry Lentil Soup

susan g added 8 months ago

Sounds life-giving! But did you really use 2 bushels of the broccoli rabe, or bunches?

Brussels Sprouts for Breakfast added 8 months ago

Haha, Susan. Thank you. No, I did not use 2 bushels. I believe bunches would be the appropriate word. Guess I better make the change before someone starts ripping out broccoli raab by the bush!

DueSpaghetti added 9 months ago

Broccoli raab, which we call rapini, is our favorite! I wish it were easier to find here in Minneapolis. This sounds very good.

Brussels Sprouts for Breakfast added 8 months ago

It's one of my favorites too. So bitter and flavorful!

ashley_samuel_pierson added 9 months ago

I am making this recipe right away! Looks great. I love your blog idea. It is amazing to talk to the farmers' and see how much love goes into what they grow! Lucky for us.

Brussels Sprouts for Breakfast added 9 months ago

Thanks, Ashley! It is a great hearty soup, perfect for football season coming this weekend! And we are soo lucky, especially up here in the Midwest with all sorts of great farms everywhere.