TEENY MCMUNN: MY RECIPE BOX

This caught my eye and, of course, makes me think of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, always a favorite for those cold days and a quick dinner. I didn't get a chance to make it yet but it got a five-star rati9ng. One of the seasonings is garam masala. I googled it to see if it was going to be hard to find and it isn't. When I get it purchased and if you are interested in making this, then please let me know. The recipe only calls for 1/8 teaspoon, so I'm sure I will have plenty to share. It looks like an interesting blend of flavors.

And speaking of grilled cheese sandwiches, I didn't realize there was another way to make them, except to put butter on each side and grill it. I was aghast when I saw Joe put mayonnaise on the bread, then grill it. Now he does his sandwich and I do mine.

INGREDIENTS:

4 c. low-sodium vegetable broth, divided 1/8 tsp garam masala

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 c. red lentils

1 tsp ground coriander 1 can (14.5 oz) no salt diced tomatoes

½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (opt)

1/8 tsp ground turmeric 1 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese (opt)

DIRECTIONS:

Bring ½ cup broth to a boil in a pot; reduce heat and simmer. Add onion and garlic and simmer until onion is translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. Stir coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, garam masala, and cayenne pepper into onion mixture; simmer for 1 minute.

Stir lentils into spiced onion mixture; cook stirring constantly for 30 seconds. Add remaining 3 ½ cups broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir lemon juice into soup and garnish with feta cheese.

MY NOTES:

I would think if you didn't have lentils available, rice or small shell macaroni would be a good substitute, though lentils would be healthier.

If you have a favorite soup or dish you like to make for the winter months, please let me know. Or any other recipe you would like to share - I'd love to post it.

ENJOY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR