Mixed Veggies and Chana Dal Soup

Hey everyone! I am back after a long break. Well, last few months were quite memorable. We celebrated our child's 1st birthday at Shedd Aquarium. Later, an amazing trip to India, visiting family and friends. One month just flew by. 25 hours air travel with a one year old was the only exhausting part, but it all went well.
Today's post is inspired by my India trip - an Indo-Chinese style soup with mixed leafy greens, carrots and chana dal. A spicy low calorie vegan soup with loads of veggies and protein is perfect for this cold weather.

Ingredients:
Mixed Greens - about 200 gm
Carrots (thinly sliced) - about 100 gm
Chana Dal/Split Chickpeas - 1/4 cup
Onion - 1 medium
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
Red Chili Powder - 1/4 tsp
Soy Sauce - 2 tbsp
Oil - 2 tbsp
Salt

How to cook Vegan Mixed Greens and Lentil Soup:

Soak chana dal in about 1 cup of water for about an hour. Wash soaked dal well.
Finely chop onions.

Heat oil in a pan. You can use butter if you like. Add onions and saute until onions turn slightly brown. Next, add washed chana dal and 2 cups water. Cook it covered until chana dal turns soft.
Next, add mixed leafy greens and carrots. Cook the veggies covered until the greens wilt, about a minute.
Lastly, add salt, garam masala, chili powder and soy sauce. Stir well and add another 2 cups of water. Cook it covered at low heat for 2 - 3 minutes. Check if the carrots are cooked and taste for seasoning. Add more water if required.
This soup can be made with a number of variations. Instead of Garam Masala, you can use any seasoning or masala of your choice. Along with onions, you can add garlic, some herbs as well.

Serve hot Mixed Vegetables and Chana Dal Soup with crackers or bread.
Enjoy! Wish you all a very Happy 2015!

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