RECIPE: Lemon Lentil Soup

For lunch, I decided to make Lemon Lentil Soup. I haven't made it in a long time, and I forgot just how good it is! My recipe is just four simple ingredients, and it is as easy as opening a can of soup, but SO MUCH TASTIER! Not to mention healthier.

Lemon Lentil Soup

1 cup of red lentils (sort & rinse)
1 quart of vegetable broth (I've tried this with chicken broth, and it wasn't very good--it had a metallic taste)
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (this amount gives a small kick--if you like it spicy, use 1/2 tsp.)
juice of one lemon (plus the zest, if you like!)

Combine the lentils, broth, and pepper flakes in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, until lentils are soft and the soup has thickened. Add the lemon juice (and zest, if you're using it), stir, and heat through. Makes 4 small servings (about 1 cup) or 2 main-dish servings.

For 1 small serving: 162 calories, 0 grams fat, 7 grams fiber, 30 grams carbs, 11 grams protein.