Meyer Lemon Lentils
I have been in heaven with a whole bowl of Meyer lemons on my counter, sent from Barb's tree in northern California. Honestly, better than winning the lottery if you're me.
One of the most delicious refreshers in the world: Squeeze half a Meyer lemon into a tall glass. Fill with ice, top with seltzer water. You would not believe how much juice one gets from these things. Am I rubbing it in too much? Lay off? I will, after I talk about this soup.
Two nights ago, I had exactly 45 minutes between coming home and leaving again. 45 minutes to plan and make lunch for my friend Cheri, and no time to go to the grocery store. I have this acquaintance...I think she calls herself The Leftoverist or something silly like that. I think that's a weird name, but apparently she can go through someone's cupboards at a moment like this and emerge with a plan. I facebooked her (I heard she's always on there), opened my cupboard, and gave her an inventory. When she heard about the big bag of lentils, she said they cook really fast and would be safe for vegan friends like Cheri. After getting wind of the Meyer lemon bounty around here, I thought she might get off her computer and drive on over, but I guess she has some boundaries.
It's a good thing I made some quick soup. Tentative dinner plans with Emily got confirmed later in the evening, so I had this soup for lunch at Cheri's house, then for dinner when Emily came over. There isn't even one tangy little lentil left. I think that would make the Leftoverist happy.
Meyer Lemon Lentils
If someone didn't send you a case of Meyer lemons, things aren't as dire as they might seem. Costco carries them! And they're completely affordable--a clamshell of 6 or 8 for around $5. If Costco is already part of your life (a blessing AND a curse, really), I suggest buying some for a winter treat. Or, you can use half lemon and half orange juice here--just make sure it's fresh. My rosemary plants are the definition of hardy, still thriving after our cold snap. My thyme, however is gone for the year. The fresh lemon thyme in this soup came from a rare shopping trip to Whole Foods, where I discovered really luscious fresh herbs in cello for around $2.25--not bad, considering thyme has gone into everything this week and I still have some left. I served a scoop of rice in the middle of this soup for the kids--that's another Leftoverist trick, I think.
3 Tb. olive olive
1 small onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
salt and pepper
2 c. lentils, washed
2 bay leaves
2 Tb. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 Tb. fresh lemon thyme, finely chopped
juice of one Meyer lemon + 1 Tb. finely grated rind (OR juice of 1/2 lemon + juice of 1/2 orange)
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot. Add onions and garlic and saute until soft, about 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add lentils, bay leaves, and enough water to cover by about 2". Bring to a boil, then turn down to a low boil, skimming foam occasionally and adding more water as necessary. You don't want the soup to be too thick--I like enough water so the lentils float around in there versus stick together in a glob.
When lentils are almost tender (about 25 minutes unless they're really old), add fresh herbs, Meyer lemon juice and zest, and tomatoes. Simmer until flavors meld and lentils are tender, about 10 more minutes. Adjust seasonings as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, herbs, or lemon juice/zest to taste.
December 16, 2009
Reader Comments (9)
Sarah, youu are so lucky to have a friend like The Leftoverist who can help you out in a pinch like that. Do you ever have a difficult time contacting her when needed, or is she always available? It sounds to me like you should take some of those precious Meyer Lemons over to her before they're all gone -- sounds like she deserves it!
I could happily eat lentil soup every day. I've never tried it with lemon juice - great idea! I am so bummed I didn't pick up some of those beauties on my last Costco diaper run.
I'm addicted to lentil. Nice soup.
I'm pretty much the opposite of Dana. I can eat lentils every now and again, but not more than once a month (ok, more like once every two months). I know they are super healthy and fabulous, but I just can't do it.
Sushi, on the other hand...
Hi Sarah – Every time I sit down to read one of your posts, I find myself inspired by the food and the stories you share. I absolutely love that every recipe of yours I have tried turns out great, too! After a long love/hate relationship with candy making (as in I love to eat it, but not once have had a batch of anything that required a candy thermometer turn out) I just had to try your toffee recipe. It was perfect. In the middle of a crazy week last week, I came home and whipped up a big pot of your Chicken Tortilla Soup. We loved it so much that we're taking it to a party tomorrow night! Beyond all of the recipes and inspiration in the kitchen, I have been meaning to tell you that you inspired me to create my own blog: http://333allaroundme.wordpress.com/ It has been a fun little project. Thank you for sharing with all of us and I hope you have a truly blessed holiday!
look at you sarah...making the world better, one bowl of lentil soup (and one blog) at a time! lucky cheri and emily. maybe this will be the thing that encourages my family to eat lentils.
Hi Deidra! I'm so happy to hear about your candy success. I checked out your blog this morning--as I said there, you have a wonderful gift in telling stories with a beautiful photo and just a few words. I can learn a lot from that. Merry Christmas!
Ah, sushi. Too bad it's not as cheap as lentils.
I'm thinking for dinner tonight. Monday was French lentil stew, but it's 4:15 and I need something right now with protein, that's tasty & easy. thanks Sarah:)