Asian Lentil Soup

There’s no such thing as Asian lentil soup – that is, until now. I made this dish up last night when I wanted something warm and soothing after a long day at work. I was tired and had a headache, and I needed something soothing and grounding:

1/2 cup red lentils
2-3 cups water (add as needed)
handful of shredded nori
handful of dried shrimp
dash of shoyu
dash of sesame seeds

Combine first four ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower heat when boiling and simmer covered for about 20-30 minutes (test to see if lentils are done). When lentils are almost cooked, add in last two ingredients, and stir to combine. Cook for a few minutes longer. Add salt and pepper to taste if desired.

Health benefits – Nori adds nutrients through trace minerals to the soup. Lentils provide fiber, B vitamins and iron, and they are low in fat. Dried shrimp give the soup a richer flavor, and shoyu offers salty flavoring while providing some of the benefits of eating fermented soy.