Sweet Potato, Kale and Lentil Soup (POWERHOUSE MEAL!!)

For those of you who have followed this mission to learn to cook and eat clean from the beginning, you know that I was, and sometimes still am, a DISASTER in the kitchen. So before we get onto this recipe, I have a confession to make. This was only the 3rd time, in my life, making soup from scratch. BUT, this was SO good (and husband approved) that I am ditching the Campbell's forever! Buh bye!

Sweet Potato, Kale and Lentil Soup

(as always, I apologize for the incomplete quantities on the ingredients list. I still like to pretend I am like my little old Sicilian grandmother who could just throw Lord knows what in pot and make a five course meal out of it).

2 carrots diced
2 stalks of celery diced
1 sweet potato
1/2 bunch of kale
1 cup lentils
1/2 onion diced
Vegetable broth + water
Salt and pepper to taste
Cumin to taste (you better believe I used a ton)
Garlic powder to taste (next time, I'm just using garlic)
Olive Oil or whatever oil you prefer to use!

1. Saute carrots, celery, onion and kale. Add in diced sweet potato for just a few minutes at the end.
2. Boil vegetable broth and extra water. Add in cumin, salt and pepper, and garlic powder. When boiling, add in lentils until cooked.
3. Add in sauteed mix for the last 3-5 minutes.
4. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese (my vice, yes please!).

Cheesy Vegetable Quinoa Bake

This recipe was a HUGE win! With just one bite, Nate the Great declared this one his new favorite (he didn't even mind that there was broccoli in it - just for the record...he now eat broccoli, spinach, artichokes and onions...he wouldn't even touch those a year ago!) Oh, and for any new readers out there, Nate is not my child..he is my husband...and yes, he is just that picky! ;-)

This is the only picture I got...because this meal went REALLY fast!

So the best part about this recipe, is that you can put whatever veggies you want in it. The original recipe said it was a "mac and cheese" type recipe, but I didn't put enough cheese in it to make it such. I am trying, key word, trying, to use slightly less cheese in my meals. Now might be a good time to mention that although I used less cheese in this one, it still contains a ton of dairy - a cup and milk and two eggs! If you make this one and modify it to be a bit healthier in terms of the dairy, I would love to hear back from you so I can give it a try!

Cheesy Vegetable Quinoa Bake

1 cup quinoa cooked
1 cup chedder cheese
1 cup skim milk
2 eggs
broccoli chopped
spinach chopped
red onions chopped
salt to taste
red pepper flakes to taste
panko as a topping (optional, of course)

As always with my recipes, easiest directions ever. Cook quinoa. When it is done mix up all the rest of the ingredients and put in a casserole dish. Sprinkle with panko, if desired. Cook for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees. ENJOY!