Lentils and quinoa are both a good source of strong plant protein. This is a good recipe for integrating vegetable scraps from other food preparations. The more the merrier when it comes to adding vegetables to this soup! GF/DF/V

4 servings

1 cup dried quinoa
1½ cup dried lentils
6 cups vegetable stock
1 Roma tomato, diced
1 onion, diced
1 cup diced celery
2 cups diced carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Kosher or sea salt
Black pepper
1/3 cup fresh parsley (optional)

1. Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. Set aside.

2. Combine lentils through pepper in a large stockpot or a crock-pot. If using a stockpot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, and let simmer covered for approximately 30 minutes. Stir the soup every 15 minutes or so to prevent lentils from sticking.

3. Add the quinoa. Stir the mixture well, cover the pot on low heat for another 15 minutes.

4. If using a crock-pot, place ingredients in the pot, and place on medium heat for 4-6 hours, depending on your piece of equipment. When ready to enjoy, place the quinoa into the pot, stir well, and let sit on medium heat for 15 minutes before serving.

5. Garnish with fresh parsley and pepper. This soup will keep for 3 days in the refrigerator.

Food as Medicine: Lentils are a superfood that boosts metabolism and provides satiating fiber and protein. Quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids, almost twice as much fiber as other grains, plus iron, lysine, magnesium, riboflavin, and manganese. 

Based on The Daniel Plan book, The Daniel Plan Cookbook: 40 Days to a Healthier Life is a beautiful four-color cookbook filled with more than 100 delicious, Daniel Plan-approved recipes that offer an abundance of options to bring nutritious cooking into your kitchen to help transform your health in the best way imaginable—from the inside out.

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