Quick Tomato-Lentil Noodle Soup

Turns a BLT or tuna sandwich into a nice supper entirely from pantry ingredients.

4 c water
2 T tomato paste
1 pkg Madras stewed lentils
1 pkg tomato noodle soup mix (Knoll™ is good)
2 T dry onion flakes
1/2 t fennel seeds
1 t dry tarragon
1/4 t crushed red pepper
1/2 t sugar
1 t fish sauce.

Bring the water to boil in a three-quart saucepan. Stir in the tomato paste and lentils. Return to a boil and add the soup mix and the seasonings. Simmer, with occasional stirring, for 8 minutes. Serves 4.

Quick Rice and Lentil Soup with Poached Egg

A warm bowl of soup makes a satisfying breakfast or lunch dish. This one comes together quickly from pantry ingedients.

1/3 c long grain rice
1 T olive oil
2 T tomato paste
2-1/2 c water
2 T beef or vegetable stock concentrate
1 foil pack Madras lentils
1 t fish sauce (optional)
1/2 t sugar
1/4 t salt
2 oz frozen leaf spinach
1 large egg

Heat the oil in a two-quart saucepan, add the rice, stir and fry a few minutes until lightly colored. Stir in the water, tomato paste, stock concentrate, sugar, salt and fish sauce. Bring to a gentle boil for 10 minutes with occasional stirring. Mix in the lentils, cook for 5 minutes more, and then stir in the frozen spinach. When it's bubbling hot again, move off heat, crack in the egg, cover and wait 4 minutes while it poaches. Then, stir the egg into the soup. Serves 2 or 3 as a light breakfast or lunch. 

Quick Vegetable Soup

This soup comes together quickly but delivers solid nourishment, savory taste, and appetizing aroma.

4 c water
1 oz tomato paste
2 c cabbage, coarsely chopped
1 medium tomato, diced

Seasonings

1 t ground cumin
1/2 t ground coriander
2 T chicken or vegetable stock concentrate
2 t salt
1 t sugar
1 t fish sauce
1 t vinegar

1 envelope prepared lentils (Madras brand)
1 medium russet potato

Microwave the potato 3 minutes. When cool, cut into 1/2 inch cubes, and set aside. Meanwhile, in a three-quart saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the cabbage and tomato and boil slowly 20 minutes. Stir in the seasonings, the lentils, and the potatoes. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning. Serves four.

Crushed Lentil Soup

Developed from a recipe published January, 2008 in Raleigh, NC News & Observer. Often served in Middle Eastern homes as a first meal when breaking the fast of Ramadan, it can be quickly prepared and carries light but substantial nourishment, flavor, and aroma. Do not substitute other lentils for red lentils because red lentils 'crush' easily when cooked.

3 T olive oil + some for drizzling
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 T tomato paste
1 t ground cumin
1 t chile powder
1 t ground coriander
1 t salt
1/2 t freshly-ground black pepper
1 c red lentils
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
1 qt chicken or vegetable stock
2 c water
juice and zest of half a lemon
3 T chopped cilantro

In a three-quart pot, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Add onion and saute until golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper and chili powder, and saute for 2 minutes longer. Add stock, water, lentils and carrots. Bring to a fast simmer, then partially cover pot and adjust heat. Simmer until lentils are soft, about 30 minutes. Taste and add salt if necessary. Using an immersion blender, regular blender, or a food processor, puree half the soup and return it to the pot. The texture should be somewhat chunky. Stir in juice, zest, and cilantro and serve. Garnish each serving with a drizzle of olive oil and a light dusting of cumin. Serves four, with warm loaves of pita bread on the side.