This is a recipe that we make at least two times a week or more. I have recently started using Chaya in place of the spinach and it is so GOOD! You just need to do your research before using Chaya to make sure it is a good fit for you. This soup is still AMAZING with or without spinach or kale as well, so don’t worry if you can’t get your hands on any.

This soup is so good for you and it is so easy to make … you can add just about anything you like and it will only make it better! You can also leave it as simple as you like and still have a healthy, filling meal. I can make a pot of this in the beginning of the week and have it for lunch all week… as long as the kiddos don’t get to it before I do!

Here is a look at one of our Chaya plants…. or ‘yard leaf’ as Mr. Awesome calls them…

I think I will definitely be adding even more next year! I’m also planning to pick some more and cook them up before putting them in the freezer so we can enjoy them all winter long!

Yummy Lentil and Chaya Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried lentil
• 1 onion, diced or 2 t. onion powder
• 1 T. garlic or 2 t. garlic powder
• 2 t. salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 1-2 T. chicken bouillon or use chicken stock in place of some of the water
• 2 T. olive oil or bacon grease
• 6-8 c. water
• 1-2 c. cooked chaya or fresh spinach/kale –(if using Chaya be sure to precook  for 20 minutes to remove toxins, then rinse and chop)

optional add- ins:

• 1 lb. cooked sausage, bacon, or chopped ham– any type of meat will work.
• a couple of squirts of Bragg’s liquid aminos
• cayenne pepper to taste
• turmeric powder
• any other veggies that you may like… possibilities are endless

optional toppings:

• sour cream for topping
• shredded cheese for topping
• chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

Rinse the lentils and set aside.

Saute the onion and garlic in the oil or grease until translucent. Add the water and other ingredients including any optionals. Simmer for 30-45 minutes or until everything is tender.

Serve over rice, if desired. Add toppings as desired and enjoy!