She woke me up and crawled up close to me. Lift my arm and put it around her. She was silent for 10 seconds, completely still, but I could hear her thinking. We were looking at the window and how the sun was shining through the curtains. Then she asked me: “Daddy, explain why you like me so much?”.
Her voice didn’t reflect any doubt. It was more out of curiosity that she asked. Completely unprepared, I pinched myself to wake up and tried to give her the best explanation and love declaration that I could possibly think of.
I told her that she was the kindest little person I knew. That I loved how she always shared a piece of her bread or cookie without hesitation, and how she often made sure that there was something left for me or her mom if we weren’t home. I told her that from the moment she was born she had climbed into our hearts and that she would be there for the rest of our lives, no matter how much we argued about brushing teeth, choosing clothes or watching cartoons. I told her that I couldn’t not like her, even if I tried. I hugged her closely.
I was quiet, curious to hear her reaction, if she was satisfied with my response. I could hear her thinking again.
“Daddy, I think my favorite color is pink!” She crawled out from my arms, jumped up from the bed and ran out of the room screaming: “Good morning horses, heeeeeere I come!”.
Later that day we all made soup. The kind that is thick, sweet, comforting and perfect for chilly days. It was filled with sweet potato, carrots and red lentils and had the brightest orange yellow color. Even though it was delicious on its own, Luise created a tasty aubergine and kale topping that gave the soup an extra dimension. You should give this soup a try on a cold day. It’s a love declaration to winter that will warm your hearts.
Sweet Potato & Red Lentil Soup with Aubergine & Kale Topping
Serves 4
1 tbsp ghee, coconut oil or olive oil
1 large onion
2 sweet potatoes
4 carrots
4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
1 cup / 250 ml uncooked red lentils
4 cups / 1 liter water
sea salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
Aubergine & Kale Topping
1 tbsp ghee, coconut oil or olive oil
1 aubergine/eggplant
4-5 stems fresh kale or thawed frozen
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cumin
sea salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste
Heat oil in a pot. Add onions and sauté until fragrant. Add sweet potatoes, carrots and thyme and cook for a minute or so, while stirring. Now add rinsed lentils, water, sea salt and pepper, cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables and lentils are soft.
Meanwhile make the topping. Heat oil in a large skillet, add aubergine/eggplant and kale and all the spices. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the aubergine/eggplant are completely soft.
Use an immersion (hand) blender to puree the soup. Taste and adjust the flavors. Serve the soup in bowls with a couple of spoonfuls topping, a good drizzle of olive oil and a few leaves of fresh thyme.
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