Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup

January can be bleak at the best of times: pressures to detox after indulging over Christmas, returning to work and grey morning commutes and dealing with endless bills after splurging in December.

But it isn’t all bleak – January is the month of some of the most delicious and nutritious humble vegetables, such as the bright and beautiful carrot. Carrots are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals; their high level of the antioxidant beta-carotene slows down the ageing of cells, and their high fibre content supports healthy digestion.

Since it’s fundamental to nourish your brain and frame through this mid-winter month, this fragrant soup is an all-round winner. With the addition of protein-packed lentils and immune-boosting spices of turmeric and ginger, this simple soup is not only incredibly wholesome but also tastes completely delicious! And as its warming spices echo the recent festive season it makes a wonderfully comforting supper to come home to.

So don’t let January get you down – make it the first month of your happiest and healthiest year yet!

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 vegetable stock cube & 1 litre of hot water
• 140g split red lentils
• 600g of carrots – so just over half of the kilo bag – (peeled and coarsely grated)
• 125ml coconut milk

Method:

1. Bring a kettle to the boil and mix the stock cube in 1 litre of water.
2. Heat a large saucepan and add the coconut oil. Once melted, add the cumin, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and chili and fry for about 1 minute before adding the carrots, lentils, stock and milk.
3. Bring the mixture to the boil and then once boiling, turn down the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until the lentils have softened.
4. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for about 5 minutes, before taking your hand-blender and whizzing the soup until smooth.
5. Season and serve piping hot. You could also add a dollop of plain yogurt or coconut yogurt on top with an extra sprinkling of chille, cinnamon or cumin depending on your favourite flavours.