Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re making a hearty and nutritious Millet and Lentil Soup. This soup is perfect for a comforting meal, packed with protein, fiber, and rich flavors. Let’s dive into this warm and satisfying recipe!

Ingredients:

• For the Soup:
  • 1 cup millet, rinsed
  • 1 cup lentils (red or green), rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Rinse the millet and lentils under cold water.
   • Chop all the vegetables: onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables:
   • Stir in the diced carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Spice it Up:
   • Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and paprika to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
5. Combine Millet and Lentils:
   • Add the rinsed millet and lentils to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables and spices.
6. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   • Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth or water.
   • Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
7. Simmer:
   • Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the millet and lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
   • Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
8. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
9. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
   • Ladle the Millet and Lentil Soup into bowls.
10. Garnish:
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
    • Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, tangy finish.
    • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Tips and Variations:

• Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu for extra protein.
• Different Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, kale, or potatoes.
• Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup in individual portions for an easy meal option. Thaw and reheat as needed.

This Millet and Lentil Soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Its rich, comforting flavors and hearty ingredients make it a family favorite. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious and nutritious soup!