Yesterday I got home and was in one of those moods to make something fast and with no fuss.I had some leftover brown rice and some leftover flour tortillas (which double beautifully as flatbread, it turns out), and I am determined to be creative with the ingredients I already have in my cabinets so I can cut down on my grocery costs.Living on about $300 per month is a challenge for an avid cook and baker like me, but I am determined to eat delicious food despite being a poor volunteer in a developing country!And tonight, I succeeded.This is a very easy soup that came together in about 15 minutes total, and I ended up eating it with two pieces of my homemade flatbread from the other night, made warm and crispy in the toaster.The flavors are simple; I didn’t spice it up too much, but you could add any spices to give it a more distinct flavor.
Quick and Easy Lentil Bean Soup
2 green onions, chopped
1 15-oz. can lentils, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz. can butter beans, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 – 2 cups boiling water
1 chicken or vegetable bouillon cube or 1 tsp. powder
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
Heat through and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes.Adjust spices to taste and serve as a soup, with bread, or with rice.
Yesterday I got home and was in one of those moods to make something fast and with no fuss. I had some leftover brown rice and some leftover flour tortillas (which double beautifully as flatbread, it turns out), and I am determined to be creative with the ingredients I already have in my cabinets so I can cut down on my grocery costs. Living on about $300 per month is a challenge for an avid cook and baker like me, but I am determined to eat delicious food despite being a poor volunteer in a developing country! And tonight, I succeeded. This is a very easy soup that came together in about 15 minutes total, and I ended up eating it with two pieces of my homemade flatbread from the other night, made warm and crispy in the toaster. The flavors are simple; I didn’t spice it up too much, but you could add any spices to give it a more distinct flavor.
Quick and Easy Lentil Bean Soup
2 green onions, chopped 1 15-oz. can lentils, drained and rinsed 1 15-oz. can butter beans, drained and rinsed 2 tbsp. tomato paste 1 – 2 cups boiling water 1 chicken or vegetable bouillon cube or 1 tsp. powder salt and pepper to taste garlic powder to taste Heat through and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes. Adjust spices to taste and serve as a soup, with bread, or with rice.