Winter's Wrath

Is it just me or can winter just not quit it this year? I'm still wearing my down coat, and for the past two days I've had to wear my intense snow boots. Today is the official first day of spring but winter is just holding on for dear life, spraying every last bit of frozen and powdery snow upon us.

I'm really angry with winter right now.

I have been crazy busy this week with work and appointments and presentations. That's why I've been a little MIA in the blog-o-sphere recently...I apologize for that. I even made Irish Soda Bread for St. Patty's day but was too much of an airhead to properly document that process. UGH. There's always next year.

In the spirit of being cold, this is a perfect time to remind everyone that there is a wealth of heartwarming soups here on Gas Stove Girl that are sure to ease winter's continued  chill. Here is a wrap up of some of my favorites. If you have snow in your forecast again (BOSTON DOES GRR!) this is the perfect opportunity to make one of this flavorful dishes.

If you love Panera's broccoli cheddar soup, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe hits all the right notes. I'm talking two different cheddar cheeses, loads of broccoli, and shredded carrots. Add in a crusty bread or go all the way and put this in a bread bowl for the ultimate soup-eating experience.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is so hip these days, and this recipe is the best one I've ever tried. Packed with bold flavors and hearty vegetables and topped with smooth avocado and homemade corn tortilla strips. I can't wait to get my hands on another pot of this.

Sweet Potato Lentil Soup is a wild and crazy idea that turns out to be the ultimate combination of sweet and spicy goodness. Plus it is packed with all sorts of great nutrients from our good friend, sweet potato, and our other good friend, lentil.

Tender beef and a rich tomato base takes this Beef Barley Stoup to the next level. I stole the term "stoup" from Rachel Ray, who describes it as a combination of a stew and a soup. This dish is so rich, and thick, and hearty that the term "stoup" fit in seamlessly.

Potage Parmentier, or Potato Leek Soup is a classic comfort food that begs for a delicious french baguette for dipping. This soup is elegant enough to entertain, and yummy enough to feed to a ravenous family of 4. It is the epitome of Julia Child in a pot -- what could be wrong with that?

Enjoy these delicious soups -- I hope they warm you up like a snuggie! I will be back soon with some fun new recipes I think you'll love!

Sweet Potato Lentil Soup

I have this problem where I hate being hot in the summer and I hate being cold in the winter. If it weren't for spring and fall, I'd be miserable year-round. Thank you, spring and fall. Keep being you.

Boston is a cold and windy city during the winter months. This is no secret, and I knew the challenges that were before me when I decided to move here.

I bought heavy duty snow boots, big fluffy ear muffs, a down coat, wool socks, and lots of scarves. Consider it my cold city survival kit. It helps on the surface. I can actually bear to go outside for more than a few seconds.

When I come inside, however, it is this soup that warms me to my core and restores order in my universe.

So, let me first tell you guys about my mom. She's a great lady. Really supportive and all that jazz. But when she asked me what I was cooking, and I told her "Sweet Potato Lentil Soup!" She responded, without missing a beat:

 "Ewwwww what! Lol...Can't even imagine lentils with sweet potatoes." That's verbatim. 5 w's in her "ew."

Please don't be like my mother. Try this soup, it's SO good. (And good for you!)

A bit of chili powder and generous amounts of cracked black pepper give a little extra spice in the back of your throat, while sweet potatoes and toasted coconut adds sweetness and depth. A dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh ginger root give this soup tang and body. Sweet and spicy: yet another match made in heaven.

It's all quite simple really. We start by preparing our vegetables. Diced onion and celery, peeled and diced sweet potatoes.

The veggies go into a pot with melted butter to soften. Season with salt and pepper.

Add in a clove of garlic and a generous amount of grated ginger. Chili powder is stirred into the vegetables along with a whole bag lentils.

Then the liquids go in--chicken or vegetable stock and water. Let the soup simmer away until the potatoes are soft and the lentils are tender.

In the meantime, coconut flakes get toasted in a 350 degree oven until slightly browned and crispy on the edges. Amazing!

To serve, ladle the soup into big bowls and add a dollop of plain non-fat Greek yogurt. Swirl the yogurt into the soup and sprinkle coconut flakes on top! This meal is so filling and comforting, and the flavors are out of this world.