Monday, September 30, 2013

soup & sweater weather

It always amazes me how quickly the season progresses. Tomorrow is officially October, leaves are continuing to change color, and more and more squash is available at the market every weekend. Have I told you I've officially made it a ritual? I've been frequenting markets throughout Paris since I arrived, but I haven't made the weekly commitment to my local one until now. It makes me feel rebellious as Phyllis Flick just shared a survey reporting that only 13% of Ile-de-France residents (those living in the greater Paris-area) shop in markets. Sadly, most are missing out on the one-of-a-kind sensory experiences and neighborly encounters.
Not to worry though! I've been loving the sh** out of the orchard apples for them ;). I've also been helping myself to cruciferous veggies, and was recently inspired to make my favorite lentil soup. Yay, kitchen! When it really starts to get annoying, please tell me to stop raving about how much I love having a space to create real meals, okay? For now, I'm just going to go with it. Clearly.
I started the same way my mom and Giada do, by sautéeing the vegetables (onions, carrots, celery) in a large pot with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. About 8 minutes later, I added a can of diced tomatoes. Then stirred for another 8. I added lentils (~1 pound) and chicken broth after, and finally, brought the soup to a boil before leaving to simmer for roughly 45 minutes with fresh thyme sprigs.
I served my first bowl of lentil soup alongside a glass of red and a hunk of baguette des près, my most recent (heartier and grainier) French bread obsession. And, oh my gosh, it was wonderful! Soups--and most one-pot meals for that matter--are just delightful. Even after eating, I was left with two "free" lunches and another healthful dinner later on in the week. Looking forward to making this one, this one, and maybe even this one next. As of tonight though, I'm all about words and wine with Lisa, Juliette Sobanet, and more. I honestly cannot get enough of this season's produce and plans. Life feels so gosh darn good right now.

16 comments:

  1. Spicy lentil soup is the best for autumn and winter - warming, cozy, and keeps the germs away!

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  2. Gah this looks fabulous! I made curried lentil stew for the troops here last night! My absolute favourite cold leftover, day or night.

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    1. Sounds yum. I love adding variations like that :)

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  3. Oh how I wish I could shop for fresh produce in markets everyday! I'm glad you're doing it for the both of us :) That soup looks delicious... perfect for fall. xxx

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    1. Yes, I am on it! And it was, it was. Looking forward to making another one soon! xo

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  4. Now... I must have soup for dinner.

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  5. You went and hung out with Lisa and Julliette?! #JEALOUS

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    1. I did, I did! Oh my, it was a wonderful evening. You should come next time! Just swing by Paris for a few hours, no big deal ;)

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  6. you just gotta love autumn with its colours

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  7. I always thought of French people as shopping for everything at their specialty shops... but they probably all go to the supermarket nowadays. I'm glad to have found your blog! You have some pretty extensive traveling chronicled!

    http://lasaloperie.blogspot.com

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    1. I know, right? They have pretty wonderful stereotypes, but few have stuck at this point :) I'm glad you found me, too!

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  8. ok I don't even really like soup but this recipe sounds so easy and looks so yummy that I want to try it!

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    1. I hope you do! This is coming from THE biggest soup fan though ;)

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