It is the first week of November and in East Tennessee, we have already seen snow fall in our area from just a little dusting to up two feet in the mountains!  With these blustery conditions becoming more and more frequent, we are in need of three components for our weeknight meals…easy, healthy, and comforting and I have the one for you!  My Zippy Lentil Soup!

I am almost even hesitate to call this a recipe because I use so many shortcuts, but sometimes that is the best kind of recipe!  It includes two of my favorite things….Knorr’s Vegetable Soup Mix and Melissa’s Precooked Lentils.  Most of the work has been done for you so your job is only opening a few packages and adding a few extra touches.

Not only is this recipe easy and obviously comforting because of it’s warm yumminess, but it is extremely filling and low in fat and calories!  Sometimes, I eat it as a light lunch or add some cheesy croutons and make it a more substantial evening meal.  I also, like t0 serve it to guests as an appetizer in tiny soup bowls if we are eating in the dining room and having several courses in our meal.  No matter how you choose to use this recipe, your family and friends will think you slaved in the kitchen for hours to create these flavors.  It will be our little secret that it was this easy!

Chef Frankie’s Zippy Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 14 oz packages of Knorr’s Vegetable Soup Mix
• 8 cups water
• 1 cup V-8 Juice (I prefer Low Sodium Hot & Spicy)
• 2 tablespoons of hot sauce (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons of Red Pepper Flakes (based on your spice preference; you can omit if you like)
• 1 1/2 cups of onions and celery, sauteed
• 1 17 0z package of Melissa’s Steamed Ready to Eat Lentils
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a stock pan.

Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes.  Add in onions, celery, and lentils.

Simmer for at least 30 minutes..it will thicken slightly after cooking.   Salt and Pepper to taste.

Bottom Line: Super Easy, Super Comforting, and Super Healthy!  Only a few ingredients along with some store-bought shortcuts and you have dinner in a flash!  Enjoy a few of my favorite things!