Old Bay Lentil Soup
This post is dedicated to my Aunt Lynn, who never leaves home without her trusty container of Old Bay.
Tonight, being a native Baltimoron, having recently returned from the beach, and in a summery state of mind, I wanted a Old Bay-flavored – but not necessarily a seafood-inspired – meal. And as you may have noticed, when I don’t know what else to make, I make soup. So tonight: Old Bay Lentil Soup.
Old Bay Lentil Soup
1 onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
4 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 medium potato, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes (I used fire-roasted)
6 cups vegan broth, any flavor
1 cup pardina, de Puy, or green lentils
2 small or 1 large summer squash, chopped
1 small bunch rainbow chard, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 tsp fresh or 3/4 tsp dried thyme
2 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
Tabasco, to taste
salt and freshly-ground pepper, to taste
freshly-squeezed lemon, optional
Heat some oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven, then add the onions and carrots and cook for 10 minutes, adding the garlic after 5.
Add the potatoes and tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes, then add the stock, bay leaves, lentils, and Old Bay. I have no idea if Old Bay is an acquired taste or not, so if you’re not already a fan of it and 2 tablespoons sounds like a lot to you, add it in small doses, tasting it as you go along until it’s to your liking. I really probably used more than 2 tablespoons. Also, Old Bay is quite salty so don’t salt the soup until the Old Bay is at the level you prefer.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for half an hour.
Meanwhile, admire my beautiful, not-quite-baby rainbow chard: smaller and more delicate than most bundles of chard and even more delicious.
Add the squash, chard, Tabasco, and thyme to the pot …
… then cover and simmer another 15 minutes or until done, adjusting the seasonings if necessary.
Serve with more Tabasco and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
As lentils are one of my most favorite foods and Old Bay one of my most favorite flavors, this was a real winner, and was quick and easy to boot. A great, simple summertime meal for a work night.
Jes Said,
June 29, 2009 @ 10:33 pm
This does seem kindof summery–like crab boil meets lentil soup! I can see you channeling a little Charleston in this recipe. 🙂
Jes Said,
June 29, 2009 @ 10:33 pm
This does seem kindof summery–like crab boil meets lentil soup! I can see you channeling a little Charleston in this recipe. 🙂
Meg Said,
June 30, 2009 @ 12:02 am
Ah! I missed your blog while you were away with family. In my (humble) opinion you have one year to convince your In-Laws to get some kind of wi-fi set up at their beach hut. I mean, if you can post from Australia, where drains drain in counter-clockwise-whirlpools, then certainly you can manage some kind of wifi/laptop action at the inlaws’ place? Right?
Meg Said,
June 30, 2009 @ 12:02 am
Ah! I missed your blog while you were away with family. In my (humble) opinion you have one year to convince your In-Laws to get some kind of wi-fi set up at their beach hut. I mean, if you can post from Australia, where drains drain in counter-clockwise-whirlpools, then certainly you can manage some kind of wifi/laptop action at the inlaws’ place? Right?
Ksenia Said,
June 30, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
Hi! Thanks for leaving a comment ^^ Of course your seitan recipe was useful! I thought about leaving a comment on your ham seitan recipe post to tell you that I used your recipe, but I have been quite busy with the (swindle) job u_u.
At least I realised soon that it was not what I was looking for. Anyway, it’s frustrating =(
By the way, your lentils look very appetizing ^^ I have never tried Old Bay seasoning, though =3 I love chard! And it’s very good for the health 😉
Ksenia Said,
June 30, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
Hi! Thanks for leaving a comment ^^ Of course your seitan recipe was useful! I thought about leaving a comment on your ham seitan recipe post to tell you that I used your recipe, but I have been quite busy with the (swindle) job u_u.
At least I realised soon that it was not what I was looking for. Anyway, it’s frustrating =(
By the way, your lentils look very appetizing ^^ I have never tried Old Bay seasoning, though =3 I love chard! And it’s very good for the health 😉
Courtney Said,
June 30, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
That sounds soooo good…lentils are my favorite, and I LOVE me some soup! If only it were not a zillion degrees here with 100% sticky muggy gross humidity 🙁 OR If only I had AC…I vote for me having AC and enjoying soup year round! Until that day comes, I will remember this recipe for the fall when it is cool and I can imagine turning on my stove again…
Welcome home, and it is great to see you posting!
Courtney
Courtney Said,
June 30, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
That sounds soooo good…lentils are my favorite, and I LOVE me some soup! If only it were not a zillion degrees here with 100% sticky muggy gross humidity 🙁 OR If only I had AC…I vote for me having AC and enjoying soup year round! Until that day comes, I will remember this recipe for the fall when it is cool and I can imagine turning on my stove again…
Welcome home, and it is great to see you posting!
Courtney
Josiane Said,
July 11, 2009 @ 11:22 am
I’m a soup lover too, and this one looks very good… Yum!
Josiane Said,
July 11, 2009 @ 11:22 am
I’m a soup lover too, and this one looks very good… Yum!