Orange Lentil Soup

Orange lentil soup.

The weather has been extra special beautiful lately. Sunny every day, with temperatures hovering in the high 50's. Which, to my family in Florida, is ridiculously cold. But to us folks in the Hudson Valley, it's just perfect. Or at least to me. I am loving this weather. And the winter time lighting is so wistful, isn't it? This anise hyssop makes for a good winter bouquet as well as for good shadows.

Anise Hyssop.

Do you buy beautiful dried grains and legumes, and then forget them in your pantry? I do. I remembered these pretty orange lentils and made soup of them yesterday. This is where I don't understand the "I don't have time to cook" theory. I think mainly, it's "I don't feel like eating lentil soup" theory. Or whatever peasant-y food that's hearty and easy and good for you. I cooked some lentils until tender, then transferred them to the Vitamix. Then I sauteed an onion (with a sprinkle of cumin) in olive oil (in the pan I cooked the lentils in--one pan!). Once the onions were golden, I added them to the Vitamix with the lentils. I pureed it for maybe 20 seconds, until it was thick and velvety. A swirl of rosemary olive oil, a scattered pinch of harissa, and dinner is served.

The Thanksgiving winter bouquet.