Sideline Carrot, Pumpkin & Lentil Soup

Our week days can be just as hectic as our weekends, and sometimes it is a real struggle to make sure everyone is eating healthily.

That's why I love soups and crock pot cooking, come this time of year!!

This soup was quick and easy to make - we actually ate this, sat in the boot of the car, in-between Liliana's gym class and Oscar's rugby training. It has a slight Asian vibe going on that is warming and vibrant.

The glamorous life of a parent!!

5-6 large (approx 400g) carrots

1 1/2 cups of pumpkin puree or 1 orangita

1 brown onion

2 cups of chicken stock

1/2 can coconut milk or 1/3 block creamed coconut

2/3 cup red split lentils (soaked overnight)

1-2 garlic cloves

1 green chili

thumb size piece of ginger

3 cm fresh or 1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp cumin

fresh coriander to taste

salt & pepper to season

In a large saucepan or stock pot -

Gently fry off onions for a few minutes until translucent.

Add minced garlic, finely grated ginger and turmeric and cumin to the onions and stir to release flavours.

add chopped carrots and chopped orangita or pumpkin if using fresh vegetables. Turn to low and allow to start cooking through for 3-4 minutes.

Add chicken stock, (pumpkin puree if using), coconut milk and lentils.

Slice the chili length ways and pop the whole chili in the pot - this adds a little heat but you can remove the chili before serving to children!

Bring to the boil and then simmer with a lid covering for 25 minutes.

Add the coriander before blending

Blend to desired consistency with a stick blender or conventional blender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with your favourite breads or dippers or make it a more hearty meal with loaded sandwiches on the side.

Adjust any liquid amounts to suit your desired thickness of soup - I love thick soup but my husband prefers them a bit thinner - we meet somewhere in the middle!

Let me know what you think of the recipe and don't forget to share any pictures at: #victoriab_lifeinmotion #lovelifeinmotion

Happy Souping Everyone!

Victoria xx

Love Living your Life in Motion x

Yoga Through the Life-stages, with Victoria x