Red Lentil Sweet Potato Soup

1 cup onion

3 medium gloves of garlic or 3 teaspoons of minced garlic

1/8-1/4 dried ginger

pinch of salt and pepper

4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potato cut into small cubes

3/4 cup red lentils

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup water

1/4 tsp ground turmeric

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1 small pinch ground clove

1 large pinch of cayenne

1/4 tsp salt or to taste

1/2 cup milk

1-2 tsp maple syrup (optional)

Instant Pot

Saute onion, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper in oil.  Saute for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.  Add a little water as needed to prevent sticking.

Add sweet potato and stir.  Saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently and adding a little more water as needed to prevent sticking.  Sweet potato should be slightly tender.

Turn off saute. Then add red lentils, vegetable broth, water, turmeric, cinnamon, clove, cayenne, and salt.  Stir.

Put on lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.  Let the steam release naturally (15 minutes)

Open the lid and add milk and puree with an immersion blender until smooth.

Garnish with toasted pepitas. (Optional)

Adding lentil to this soup gave it that protein punch.  So yummy and smooth. :)

Carol