the other day i was at a little lunch gathering with friends. a friend made a batch of lentils and she mentioned that she used chicken stock because she didn't know how else to give them flavor. i have been a vegetarian for many years and have figured out many ways to build up flavor in food. it is a good time of year to enjoy some slow cooked soups and stews, so i wanted to share some of my favorite tips to make a good pot of comfort food....minus the meat stock.
-start building flavors by sauteing a yellow onion in some oil like olive or coconut oil.
-add different veggies such as celery, carrots, turnips, sweet potatoes, greens, garlic,and/or potatoes.
-slowly saute them until the onions are translucent and start to get some color
-add some good sea salt. you can get a lot of flavor by using a good salt.
-rinse some lentils or other dried beans. use fresh beans, not ones that have been sitting in your pantry since last year.
-put lentils in a crock pot and add some stock.
-use a home made veggie stock. here is a great way to make your own.
-add your sauteed vegetables and let the soup simmer for 5-8 hours or overnight.
-you can add some fresh herbs or fresh black pepper.
enjoy with a fresh baguette or some warm brown rice.
photograph and words by kristen bach