I’ve been making a lot of rice soups likes these recently, partly because of the weather and partly because they’re so super easy! Having no time to cook for yourself is a familiar feeling for many, especially around this time of year.
But while I have little time at the moment, I still want to eat healthy delicious foods, feel nourished, healthy and happy. (ha, don’t we all?) Whether you’re catering the Christmas parties or eating at them, with so much going on we need the slow releasing energy and the nutrients supplied by these complex carbs to keep us going and feeling well.
Both lentils and brown rice are rich in cholesterol lowering fiber. Lentils also help manage blood sugar levels that can surge after eating, meaning you shouldn’t have highs and slumps in energy. They also have significant amount of antioxidants, b vitamins & folic acid. All good news, together they make a complete protein as well, although with the addition of avocado you will have more than enough. Which incidentally, is great for nourishing winter skin.
You can make this soup at any time, keep in the fridge and reheat when you need. It actually makes a really good breakfast, keeping you full all morning, and a chuffed that you ate something so tasty and good for you so early in the day!
The chili oil in the recipe requires the most effort, but it’s a great oil to have around and you can add it to anything! So make a double batch, as it will last.
The addition of Thai basil and birds eye came as a bit of an accident, as I had some left from our Yoga Feast last week and thought I’d try it and it literally took this soup to another level. What would be a tasty soup, along with the chili oil turned into an amazing and seriously addictive soup! Avocado I added because I love to add textures and extra bits to soups I make. Much like in Mexican soups where avocado, crunchy tortillas, fresh herbs etc bring what would be a simple soup alive. You could also stir through some spinach for extra vitamins. —Kali
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