A Soup and Salad that Saved my day

I've slurped quite a few warming soups past week while recovering from the nasty viral infection.I personally never liked canned soups,the fresh home made soups certainly are my preference,lower in sodium and higher in flavor plus some wholesome pasta can make a potent meal,feeding body's defenses against infections.

Chunky Veggie Tomato Soup with Pasta
(serves 3)
Ingredients
2 cups tomato puree
1 cup carrots,diced or sliced
1/4 cup peas
1/4 cup french beans
1 clove garlic,finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
2 cups vegetable stock or water
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro,finely chopped
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 cups cooked pasta
pita chips for garnish

Method
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan at medium heat, then add the garlic and spices,sauté for a minute.Add tomato puree,vegetables including the juice and the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, season with salt, then let simmer for 20-25 minutes until veggies are tender,then add the cooked pasta.Simmer couple more minutes.serve warm with some pita chips.

I'd love to share this soup with FIL:tomatoes event at Sanghi's Blog.

Lentil Fattoush Salad


This is a refreshing Lebanese salad,usually made with greens ,crunchy pita chips and veggies,spiced up with tart sumac spice(available in Middle eastern stores).The brilliant idea of adding lentils comes from Suganya's Lentil fattoush salad,making this salad a meal in itself.Another invigorating meal that made me feel better.

Recipe
(Serves 2)
Ingredients
1/2 cup Whole lentils like green mung or pigeon peas
1 bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups Romaine or Iceberg lettuce,chopped
1 medium tomato ,chopped
3-4 baby carrots,sliced
1/2 a cup pita chips,crushed

For Dressing
1 tablespoon herbs like mint or parsley,finely chopped
1 teaspoon Sumac
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
2 tablespoon lemon juice,freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper,freshly ground

Method
Wash and soak the lentils in cold water for 10 minutes.Drain the water,transfer in a pressure cooker or small saucepan with lid.Add 1 cup of water ,season with salt,drop the cinnamon stick and bay leaf and Cover,let cook on medium-high heat for about 8 minutes in pressure cooker and 30 minutes in the saucepan just until soft but not mushy.
Transfer all the vegetable in a large mixing bowl.Mix in the cooked lentils.Prepare the dressing in another bowl ,by whisking together the oil,juice,salt and spices.Combine the dressing in the vegetables mixture,toss to coat well.Sprinkle with crushed pita chips and serve.

I'm sending this Tasty Palettes's Tried and Tasted recipe to sweatha of Tasty curry leaf.