Emergency Prep Rally

A Pantry Staple for Your Emergency Prep Recipe Box

With preparedness in mind, it’s crucial to have a few simple, nourishing recipes on hand that rely on pantry staples and garden gleans. One dish that deserves a spot in your recipe box is an Easy Lentil Soup. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and a great way to stay nourished when other options are scarce. With its hearty ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup is not only comforting and nutritious but also made from items most people already have in their food storage.

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Why This Soup is Perfect for Your Emergency Prep

1. Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

This recipe features simple, long-lasting ingredients like lentils, canned tomatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and spices. These are the kinds of pantry staples that can stay in your storage for months, making it easy to pull them together when you need a filling, wholesome meal.

2. Packed with Nutrients

Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making this soup a great option for staying nourished when other food options may be limited. Plus, the addition of carrots, celery, and garlic provides even more vitamins and minerals, creating a well-rounded dish to keep your energy up.

3. Quick and Easy

With minimal prep time and a one-pot cooking method, this soup can be made quickly—ideal in any emergency situation. The ingredients are simple to cook and don’t require fancy equipment, so you can easily prepare it on a stove, over a campfire, or even with limited cooking tools.

4. Garden-Friendly

If you’re fortunate enough to have a garden, this recipe is even more ideal. Many of the ingredients, like carrots, celery, and tomatoes, can come straight from your garden, making the soup a great way to use homegrown produce and save on store-bought items. Plus, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be added from your garden for extra flavor!

Easy Lentil Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 tablespoons oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, or your preferred oil)

• 2 cups lentils, rinsed

• 3 carrots, chopped

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 1/4 teaspoon ginger

• Salt and pepper to taste

• A dash of cumin

• A handful of fresh or canned tomatoes, chopped

• Desired amount of chicken (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden brown (about 3-5 minutes).

2. Add the Chicken (optional)

If you’re using chicken, add it to the pot now and cook until browned and cooked through.

3. Add the Veggies

Stir in the chopped carrots and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, covered, until they begin to soften.

4. Season the Soup

Add ginger, salt, pepper, cumin, and the chopped tomatoes. Stir everything together, letting the flavors combine for a minute or two.

5. Add the Lentils

Finally, add the rinsed lentils to the pot, along with enough water or broth to cover everything (about 6 cups). Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.

6. Serve Hot

Once everything is nice and tender, your soup is ready! Serve it hot, and enjoy a warming, nutrient-dense meal.

Add it to your emergency prep recipe box today, and you’ll always have a hearty, homemade meal ready when you need it most.