Now that the wedding is over and I don’t have to worry about the guests freezing during the big day, I can the enjoy the fall. Well here in Southern Cali it is more of a subtle change, but there is a definite crispness in the air.

It’s definitely time to hit up some warm comfort food, healthy style of course . I’m going to talk up the nutrient value of this comforting meal. Protein from the lentils and non fat yogurt, fiber and minerals from spinach, onions, pumpkin, lentils, carbs from sweet potato, and lentils. Taste from garlic, onions, pumpkin and spices. Having it all together with a crock pot lending a hand= priceless.

Pumpkin Lentil Soup with Sweet Potato Fries

             Soup Ingredients and directions

1 large onion sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves minced

1 tsp cumin

1 pound lentils

1 can pumpkin puree

1/2 cup yogurt

3 cups Veggie broth

2 cups water

1/2 Tsp salt

1/2 Tsp Turmeric

1/2 Tsp freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 Tsp Cinnamon

1/2 Tbsp agave

approx 4 cups of spinach

1. Saute onions with olive oil until browned, approx 10 minutes. Add in garlic and cumin continue for 2-3 minutes.

2. Add onion and garlic to crock pot, set on high. Add in lentils, water, salt, remaining spices, pumpkin, yogurt, agave and veggie broth.

3. Cook on high for 2.5 hours, then add in spinach. Stir and cook for another 15 minutes.

Sweet Potato Fries

One bag of sweet potatoes

Sea salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. Cut potatoes in half and arrange on baking pan. Place in oven for 10-15 minutes until slightly softened, so cutting is easier. You can try to cut them before softening, however I do not recommend. I’ve heard of thumbs being sliced, no one I know of course .

Take potatoes out of oven, let cool for a few minutes. Slice or cut however you want. I went long and think because then the sweet potato melts in your mouth. Oh now you are craving them…

Spread cut potatoes onto baking pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Then flip and repeat for another 8-10 minutes.

Remove from oven, let cool and enjoy!

Both of us agreed the sweet potatoes totally make this meal. We felt full, warm and cozy afterwards. Next time going to try with some pumpkin beer. Then I will totally be in cozy heaven. We listened to internet radio while making this one, so no reviews today. Ok, Happy fall!