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Night Before A Big Test Soup: Spinach, Yam and Lentil Soup

Until recently, I did my best to keep my ‘blog life’ and my ‘real life’ separate,  in their own little compartments. But I’m realizing that as the blog becomes a bigger part of my life, it’s impossible. So here I am – where my ‘real life’ and ‘blog life’ intersect. 3 days before the adult version of a Big Test, the Very Big Day for my career which I’ve been working towards for the last 8 months… and I’m filled with a mixture of excitement, anxiety and indigestion.

Spinach, Yam and Lentil Soup

Spinach, Yam and Lentil Soup… for the night before the big test!

It’s taken me back to my school days and the nerves that came along with any big exam or project. I have fond memories of the dinner the night before any of these big events – my mom would prepare something (typically soup) containing lentils. Because any Persian can tell you – lentils (or adas as they’re called in Farsi) – makes you smarter!

Spinach, Yam and Lentil Soup

Spinach, Yam and Lentil Soup – Vegetarian, hearty and super healthy!

So as I prepare for the big day, I wanted to make a meal that would help me stay sharp and well-fueled. Hey – every little bit helps! This ‘Night Before A Big Test Soup’ contains all sorts of things that are colorful, delicious, warming but most importantly help power your brain and nourish your body.

Don’t let the fact that this soup is vegetarian fool you – the lentils, yam, spinach and beans are all packed with protein, potassium and vitamins that will give you energy, increase mental sharpness and generally keep your body humming. The lime juice adds just the right amount of zing to bring out all the flavors. This one-pot meal will keep you happy in every way!

Spinach, Yam and Lentil Soup

Spinach, Yam and Lentil Soup – seasonal and beautiful!

While the soup alone won’t ensure my ‘big test’ goes well, it will help keep me sharp and happy after months of preparation! Wish me luck 🙂

Spinach, Yam and Lentil Soup
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
A hearty, vegetarian soup filled with a colorful array of veggies that will keep your mind sharp and your energy up!
Ingredients
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 yams, washed and cut to a large dice
  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 1 can red kidney beans, rinsed
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 10-oz package frozen spinach
  • ⅓ cup of lentils, rinsed
  • 1 bunch curley parsley, washed and chopped
  • 2 limes
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large stockpot, melt the butter and toss in the diced onions, minced garlic, turmeric and a ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
  2. Saute for 2-3 minutes on medium-high until the onions are translucent.
  3. Turn off the heat and toss in the chopped yams and rinsed lentils. Pour the stock over and cook over medium-low for 20 minutes.
  4. Add in the spinach (just throw it straight in), beans, tomatoes and juice of 2 limes and cook for another 20 minutes.
  5. You're almost done! Toss in the parsley and give it a big stir. Taste your soup and add in more salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Simmer another 5 minutes, then enjoy!

 

{ 31 comments… add one }
  • The Unmanly Chef November 10, 2014, 9:43 am

    You managed to make a veggie soup appetizing! Great lighting on the picture too. I’ve never thought to put Yam’s in my soup but it looks good!

    • Ahu Shahrabani November 11, 2014, 8:12 am

      Well thank you! I can personally attest to how good it was… disappeared in less than a day!

  • Azita aka Fig & Quince November 10, 2014, 11:53 am

    Wow, thank you for sharing Ahu joon.

    You are one of the brightest people I know (no joke, you’re sharp girl!) and between your smarts, work ethic and this genius magical soup, you will ACE the exam.

    GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

    ps The photos rock (rhyming unintentional, haha)

    • Ahu Shahrabani November 11, 2014, 8:14 am

      This comment made my day, thank you!!! I hope you are right! 🙂 xoxo

  • Fred November 10, 2014, 12:55 pm

    DIVINE!!! This recipe just went on my must try list. Well Done.

  • tannaz November 10, 2014, 2:35 pm

    this is way better than what my parents used to eat to be smarter before exams: brains! i think they were taking things a little too literally. i’d much prefer your cozy soup. best of luck!

    • Ahu Shahrabani November 11, 2014, 8:15 am

      :O!!! I think I’ll stick with my lentils versus maghz! Merci 😉

  • Sippitysup November 10, 2014, 6:18 pm

    Lentil make you smarter? I knew I liked lentils. GREG

  • Tima November 10, 2014, 10:15 pm

    Looks wonderful, so warm and colorful. Perfect Fall delight! Bravo..
    Lentil is my favorite ingredient in a soup.

  • Noghlemey November 11, 2014, 4:16 am

    Wow this looks delicious. I never heard about Yam in Italy. looks so good for soups, I wonder how is the taste.? Beautiful pictures 🙂

    • Ahu Shahrabani November 11, 2014, 8:27 am

      Yam is like a sweet potato, rich in vitamins and flavor! I love it 🙂 Merci!!

  • David Scott Allen November 11, 2014, 9:56 am

    This soup looks amazing and hearty. I love your real-life versus your blog-life. I feel that way, too, although I call by blog friends my “imaginary friends” – all except you! You, so far, are my one real life blog friend! 🙂 Good luck on the test – I know it will be a breeze for you! xox

    • Ahu Shahrabani November 15, 2014, 7:54 am

      You’re also my first also – but I’ve since met a few more and it’s been wonderful! I’ll never forget our meeting at the little Afghan place!

      Thanks David 🙂

  • Fariba November 11, 2014, 5:38 pm

    I got some yam the other day to make veggie burgers, now I know what to do with the remaining. Looks delicious. Good luck on your project xoxo

  • TheKitchenLioness November 12, 2014, 10:23 am

    Dear Ahu, I am sure that your test went extremely well – after eating this lovely soup of yours and studying/preparing for about eight months, you will have aced that test, I am sure!!! Your soup looks absolutely vibrant and delicious – love vegetable soup and I certainly enjoyed reading about the fact that “lentils” will make you smart – I did not know that – what a fun fact to learn! And what a wonderful memory of your mum making that soup to get you in the best of “mental shape” for all your tests and exams!
    Andrea

    • Ahu Shahrabani November 15, 2014, 7:55 am

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment Andrea! I think each culture has their own ‘wives tales’ of things to make you smarter, recover from a cold, etc. This is ours 🙂

  • Lisa November 12, 2014, 3:40 pm

    fabulous soup (nice colors!) and best of luck on your “test,” Ahu!

  • Angie@Angie's Recipes November 12, 2014, 11:17 pm

    It looks hearty, warming and so flavoursome!

  • Angie@Angie's Recipes November 12, 2014, 11:18 pm

    Is yam same as taro here? Because they look so different from the yam I know…

  • Sofia Clara November 14, 2014, 12:26 pm

    looks delicious as always 🙂

  • Julia | JuliasAlbum.com November 15, 2014, 3:08 am

    I love Mediterranean cuisine, lentils, and just about everything you put in that soup! Deliciousness! I am sure it will help you achieve great results on your “big test”! 🙂

    • Ahu Shahrabani November 15, 2014, 7:57 am

      Thanks so much Julia! I figure if it’s delicious, might as well chuck it into the pot – it usually works ! 🙂

  • Fae's Twist & Tango November 22, 2014, 1:58 pm

    I hope you passed your test with flying colors! I like your Mom’s comment about adas makes you smarter. A hearty and delectable soup. 🙂

    • Ahu Shahrabani November 24, 2014, 11:59 am

      Fae jan, merci! It went really well… I think the soup helped 🙂

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