FOOD DIARIES: RED LENTIL CURRY SOUP

I have recently made a big change in my life. I have completely changed the way I eat and have lost 12 lbs in the last few months! I wasn't too big but I had that last stubborn 10-12 lbs that just wouldn't budge. Without any excessive exercising, and mostly changing the diet, I have truly transformed my body. I have recently discovered that some of the food groups have been bothering me, such as gluten and dairy. I have always felt tired and weak, even my sleep was terrible. I would wake up 3-4 times a night; and was just unable to get through the day without drinking 4-5 cups of tea/coffee. 
Since I have started my new clean (but delicious) diet, I have never felt better! I sleep like a baby, and wake up feeling refreshed. It keeps my caffeine cravings low which helps me sleep better at night. See how I was stuck in a vicious cycle?! Basically, I have eliminated ALL simple carbs from my diet, and of course no sugar at all, not even honey. On day 3 of this diet I knew I have done something amazing for myself. My skin was "glowing" according to everyone who met me. I was already sleeping better, I felt lighter and had already dropped a pound! I started this journey three months ago and have never looked back.
Having this diet been so successful to me, I have decided to share some of my favorite go-to comfort food recipes. I don't know about you, but I can't do salads for more than a week.I have about a week in a month when I, for some reason, crave salads (odd, I know), but then I want warm comfort food.
{I would recommend speaking to your doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet}

So, let's start with the Red Lentil Curry, it is easy, fast, and oh so good. This dish is vegan, vegetarian, carb-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and high in protein!

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Red Lentils
  • 4 cups Water
  • 1 tbsp of Turmeric Powder (a MUST)
  • Salt to taste (I start with 1.5tsp, then add more if needed)
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 chopped Onion
  • 2 cloves of minced Garlic
  • 1-2 green Chillies (if you like it hot!)
  • 2 tbsp Cooking oil (vegetable oil, coconut oil, canola oil, etc.)
Directions:
  • In a medium sauce pan add cooking oil and cumin seeds - Heat: Med-High
  • Let the seeds sizzle and slightly brown, then add onion, garlic, chilies.
  • Add salt and turmeric and stir - add a splash of water if they start to burn
  • Wait 2 mins before adding the lentils and water
  • Increase the Heat to High and bring it to boil, then reduce to med-low
  • (But, honestly, if you don't have the time, you can get away with throwing all the ingredients in at the same time!)
  • Keep heat on Medium, and let it cook for 25 mins
Easy as that. It is delicious and healthy. Garnish with cherry tomatoes or coriander/cilantro leaves.
TIP: Once cooked, you can puree the curry in a blender (once cooled) or with hand blender for a creamy soup look! 




26 comments:

  1. yum...that looks great! So cool that you figured out how to support your sleep and body just by changing around your diet a tad! www.GlamKaren.com

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    1. Thank you! Yes! I couldn't believe it myself..I hadn't slept like this in years! Eating clean can do wonders for your body :)

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  2. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe! I am always looking for lighter alternatives and looove lentils!

    xo Jeanne

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    1. You will love this recipe then, it is so quick and easy to make! Lentils are my fav!

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  3. Your photography of this soup makes me want to have some! xx, Ada

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    1. Aw thanks hun! Photography was my first love and only now I am getting into food :)

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  4. Yummy! What a fantastic recipe! I also don't eat any sugar (not even honey) and I eat low carb. Have you tried swerve sweetener? It is a natural alternative that is sugar free/low carb. It has saved me!! I make desserts all the time with swerve and almond or coconut flour. So delicious and healthy for you!!
    Thanks for the recipe!
    xo, Christina

    http://www.fitnessandfrills.com

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    1. No I haven't tried it yet but I will! I haven't had any dessert because I am too afraid to put sugar in my body but I will try it for sure! I hope you have a recipe up on your blog!

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  5. Oh yum! Not to mention I love the photos! XO

    Anna
    alilyloveaffair.com

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  6. Looks delicious! What a pretty color soup. You're right, clean eating makes all the difference. It doesn't matter how much you work out - the main culprit is what you're eating. That's awesome that you have seen such great results so quickly! I hope you'll post some of your other healthy recipes soon!
    Katey
    www.twopeasinablog.com

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    1. I totally agree! I used to work out so hard and instead of losing weight I was gaining it! I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong..but it is all about strict diet. And I don't think I can go back now..It feels great to eat well!

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  7. I love curry and I love soup so I am definitely going to try this one!! The photos are gorgeous!

    xoxo
    Brenda
    À LA PLAGE

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    1. Oh you will love it then! It is great as an appetizer, you can even garnish with some cream or butter, but since I am off dairy I went with tomatoes. It is super easy to make too!

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  8. This sounds delicious! And the pictures are gorgeous…makes me so hungry just looking at it!

    xoxo,
    Brooke | www.kbstyled.com

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  9. That's amazing! So happy that you're doing so well with your new diet. Can't wait to try your recipe! I'd love to see more <3

    Xo
    Victoria

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    1. Thanks love! I couldn't be happier..I would love to share more in the near future! xox

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  10. Looks delicious! Cherry tomatoes are the perfect touch!
    XO
    Carrie and Stacy
    www.csgemsjewelry.com

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    1. Thank you! I loved the pop of colour and of course little bit of crunch :)

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  11. Nav your blog is so chic, I love the design! And this soup looks amazing and now my tummy is rumbling... hmmm.. I am going to have to check if my boyfriend likes curry because I am definitely saving this!

    xoxo A
    The Miller Affect

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    1. Aw thanks Amanda! I just did some html search online to pulled together a look I really like..as for the curry, it's worth surprising your boyfriend! It is so good and so versatile..my hubby loves it after a workout cause it is so high in protein!

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  12. Wow,that's do amazing! Congrats on your weight loss! I have a few lbs I'd like to lose myself abd just bought the Skinny Confidential e-book and I also have the Tone It Up girls nutrition plan too. You've inspired me to get my butt in gear!

    http://tohellinahandbag.net

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    1. Thanks Rachel! It is really hard to lose those last few lbs..I tried everything from working out super hard and eating right..but shocking my body was exactly what i needed to do..I couldn't believe how quickly it worked! Good luck!! xo

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  13. can you believe i've never had this?? this is a great reminder to make it and try it for myself :)

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    1. Oh you'll love it! It is so easy to cook lentils and you can add sorts of spices you like :)

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