Easy Tomato Vegetable Soup

4 cups homemade chicken or vegetable stock (if store-bought, use low-sodium)
12 oz. fire roasted crushed tomatoes
1 bag mixed frozen vegetables (I used a squash, zucchini, carrot, onion, red bell pepper mixture)
1/2 cup (approx.) frozen edamame
salt & pepper
1 tsp sambal
1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
Freshly grated horseradish
2 large handfuls fresh spinach
squeeze fresh lemon juice
fresh parsley

- In a large pot add the stock and the tomatoes with their juices. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Continuously taste and season with salt and/or pepper

- Add the sambal, red wine vinegar, and some freshly grated horseradish (amounts are up to you, I add a little at a time and keep tasting)

- Add the mixed frozen vegetables and simmer for about 8 minutes

- Add the edamame and continue to simmer

- Keep tasting and adjusting seasonings. Near the end add the spinach and simmer until it wilts. Add a splash of lemon juice and some freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Squash with Pomegranate Vinaigrette Served over Lentils

FOR THE SQUASH
1 Butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes
olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked hot paprika
sprinkle of cinnamon
salt & pepper

- Preheat oven to 375

- Line a baking sheet with tin foil. Toss squash with a dash of olive oil and the rest of the ingredients.

- Roast for 20 minutes, turn, and roast for another 20 minutes

FOR THE POMEGRANATE VINAIGRETTE
1 Tbsp pomegranate molasses
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp minced shallot
1 1/2 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp chopped tarragon
salt & pepper to taste
2 Tbsp olive oil

-Add all of the ingredients to a jar except the olive oil and stir. Add the olive oil and mix. Adjust seasonings as necessary.

FOR THE LENTILS
1 cup lentils
water to cover

-Put lentils in a sauce pan with enough water to cover.

- Cook for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are cooked through. Drain.

-Gently toss the lentils with the vinaigrette and top with the squash. Serve as a side or vegetarian main dish.

*optional - top with goat cheese