I kind of went crazy with the soups this week… Mostly because my throat’s been a bit sore for the last few days. This one actually didn’t help too much with that due to the spice from the curry and jalapeño! Oops :)

Improv Score: 4/5

Curry Lentil, Pepper, and Bacon Seitan Soup

Curry Lentil, Pepper, and Bacon Seitan Soup

1 package of Bacon Seitan (sliced into 1-2 inch strips)
1 cup dry lentils
5 oz spinach (roughly chopped)
1/2 green bell pepper (chopped)
1 jalapeño (chopped small)
1 celery stalk (sliced thinly)
1/2 cucumber (diced)
6 grape tomatoes (quartered)
2 cloves of garlic (chopped)
curry
a pinch of onion powder
a pinch of dried ginger
salt & pepper
4 cups vegetable broth
4 cups water
2 tbsp olive oil

  1. In a very large saucepan or dutch oven, warm oil on medium heat and saute garlic for about 30 seconds or until the scent has been released.
  2. Add green pepper and jalapeño to the pan and saute for 3-5 minutes or until softened.
  3. Add celery and cucumber to the pan and saute 2-3 minutes more until softened.
  4. Stir in broth and water, lentils, and spices to taste. How much curry do you like? Bring to a simmer and cook 20-30 minutes until lentils are soft.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the bacon seitan as the packaging instructs. Set aside.
  6. Once lentils are softened, add bacon seitan, spinach, and tomatoes to the soup and simmer until spinach is wilted.
  7. Adjust seasoning throughout cooking by adding more spices, additional veggie bouillon, and olive oil.
  8. Enjoy