The past couple weeks have been days full of beautiful sunshine followed by snaps of cold, rainy days. At the end of a WFH rain day, all I ever feel like is a warming dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. And this was exactly that. Soups are a go-to, you can throw virtually whatever you fancy into a pot. This soup is full of vibrant orange colors from the sweet potato and carrots paired with a roast russet potato and red lentils to give a thick, creamy texture. Beta-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid which the body converts to vitamin A and functions as an antioxidant. Studies have shown a diet rich in this nutrient can support eye health and even prevent eye disease! So not only is this a comforting bowl after a long day, it might just be helping your eyes after staring at your laptop for a few too many hours… wishful thinking? 

Cozy Beta-Carotene Soup (Vegan, GF)

1 tablespoon olive oil 

1 sweet potato

1 russet potato 

4 carrots

½ teaspoon garlic powder 

2 onions, chopped 

2 cloves garlic, chopped 

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary and thyme, chopped 

1 tablespoon tomato paste 

3 cups vegetable broth 

1 cup almond milk, unsweetened 

1 cup red lentils, rinsed 

Salt & pepper to taste 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots. On a baking sheet, toss vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 

Cook down the onions and garlic, approx. 5 minutes. Add pepper flakes, herbs, and tomato paste. Stir. Add the vegetable and lentils, then add broth and almond milk to the pot. Stir it all together, bring to a boil, then allow to simmer for 20 minutes, covered. Make sure all ingredients are cooked through. Using an immersion blender, puree to desired consistency. (Note: if you do not have an immersion blender, transfer soup to a blender. When blending soup, the hot steam can blow the top. Remove the cap from the center part of lid and cover with a tea towel or paper towel while blending. Blend a bit of soup at a time, then gradually add more until all soup is in the blender.) Adjust spices to taste. 

Serves 3-4.