If you have the time. Grab a piece of paper and something that writes.
Open this.
Read through and jot down any or all words that you think are worthy.
Pause. Read through them. Circle 10 that you think are even more important to you.
Breathe.Take the time. Scan through again. Pick the three that mean the most to you.
love. adventure. courage.
There are a few things on this site that could use a little updating. The about page is top of mind. If you’ve bothered to click over it would be safe for you to assume that I am still living in France. I haven’t changed it since we moved back and something has me holding on to it with both hands. We get so bombarded this time of year with the whole new year – new you campaign, the other night I got a wave of motivation but when I sat down I drew a total and complete blank. Our life in France was simple and comfortable and I could tie a pretty little bow around it. I’m here now and Matt’s over there and it all just feels a little temporary. Our plans for the spring are a more than vague and I’m finding myself unable to commit to anything on paper (screen). I needed a new starting point. A way to determine the things I value most for this life, this space, this year and those to come.
love. adventure. courage.
I’ll start from there.
SWEET POTATO, RED LENTIL + COCONUT DAL
This cozy one pot wonder has been around for a long time. It’s basically just an updated version of this. But I’ve just been so in love with the hearty flavors here I had to share round 2. The crispy coconut + sesame seeds make a fine topping so don’t skimp. A squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro are always welcome in my kitchen. The amount of liquid you add is up to you, the lentils will soak up most of the water as they cook, but continue to add more if you want more of a soup.
Vegan + Gluten Free. Serves 4 but you could stretch it to 6 if you serve it with basmati rice or naan, or basmati and naan.
Ingredients
1 + 1/4 cup red lentils, preferably soaked for 30 mins or overnight
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 + 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, grated
1 large red onion, diced
3 medium sweet potatoes, about 5 cups peeled and chopped
1 + 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 400ml can coconut milk (1 + 1/2 cups)
3 – 5 cups water (or vegetable stock)
1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/4 sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro + lime for serving
Instructions
Melt coconut oil in a large pot and add onion, garlic and ginger. Sauté until soft. Add lentils, spices and sweet potato and toss to coat. Add a splash of water if the pot seems dry. Add coconut milk and 2 cups of water or stock and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the sweet potatoes are soft and the lentils are cooked through. About 35 minutes. Add water as needed. Let cool.
Using a potato masher, mash the stew to break up the sweet potato and lentils, I like to keep a few chunks for texture. Taste and adjust seasoning where necessary.
Toast coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stirring often, toast until just brown. Transfer to a bowl, add sesame seeds to skillet and toast until brown and fragrant. Add to bowl with coconut and mix to combine.
Serve stew with rice if desired, top with sesame coconut sprinkles, cilantro and fresh lime juice.
Let me in on your kitchen creations – tag your photos #happyheartedkitchen and share the love!
14 Comments
danielle is rooting the sun
January 13, 2016 at 2:56 pmjodi, as it comes: passion, positivity, gratitude. they are my mentors, my inspiration, my drive. – – i’m so happy to have discovered your beautiful space this year, and continually look forward to your vantage point and delicious food. this gorgeous dal is equivalent to the warmest winter bones. happy week to you. xoxo
Jodi Kay
January 14, 2016 at 1:13 pmDanielle. Thank you. It’s been such a joy getting to know you in this space and I am always, always so grateful for your kind words. Wishing you so much inspiration and positivity this winter x
Sus Davy
January 13, 2016 at 3:21 pmadevnture, health, happiness. Love this Jodi, so cosy and hearty. xx
Jodi Kay
January 14, 2016 at 1:11 pmlove love and love. Love you, Sus. To year filled with so much adventure! x
AmeliaRoseL
January 13, 2016 at 4:13 pmI actually have all these ingredients in my house right now – might have to try this recipe for dinner, looks yum.
Nourishing Amelia | Food, Health and Lifestyle Blogger
Jodi Kay
January 14, 2016 at 1:11 pmOh yay! Hope you enjoy it, Amelia. Thanks for say hi :) x
genevieve @ gratitude and gree
January 13, 2016 at 9:22 pmI really struggled picking three, but these are the ones that really spoke to me: adventure, compassion, connection, empathy, gratitude, growth, happiness, honesty, joy… My life is a little in limbo right now, too, and I’ve had to try very hard to pause the planner in me and just go with it. This is a lovely starting point! This soup sounds so cozy, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup or stew on a cold winter day- especially if it’s a Canadian winter!! <3
Jodi Kay
January 14, 2016 at 1:19 pmIt’s tough – isn’t it? But I just taking those words putting them somewhere I can see them :) Hope you’re staying warm and enjoying the winter, Gen – I agree, it’s so hard to just go with it, but I guess thats all in the adventure! xx
Inês
January 14, 2016 at 5:07 pmlove. gratitude. joy. thank you so much Jodi not just for the lovely and comforting recipe, but for that exercise of slowing down and face oneself with what truly speaks loudest to the heart. the man I love is also living in a different continent and we are trying hard to both be in the same place, and it’s not being easy. so I totally relate. One quote that seems to help me all the time is this: “there is absolutely no need to hurry about anything: everything must happen only at the precise time appointed by the Cosmic Law” :) Best wishes for you on this new year
Jodi Kay
January 19, 2016 at 3:19 amI love that, Ines! Thank you to YOU for your kind comments. We really need to slow down sometimes, and its the little things like this that make me realize just how much. Sending love + cozy bowls x
Jessie Snyder | Faring Well
January 15, 2016 at 4:40 pmAh the in between stage… Its so hard. Especially looking back on simpler, happier times. I know this feeling and feel for you Jodi. I hope you’re able to find some calm and peace in this transitional time when you are apart, and that the warmth from people who love and care about you in your life help you define your “place” in time right now more than anything – xo
Jodi Kay
January 19, 2016 at 3:22 amThank you, Jessie. This winter has been so much of that, so much time spent with people I love and care about, even without Matt I can’t imagine it any other way. Life is just one big adventure, somehow I feel like its just the start! xx
Grace @ Earthy Feast
January 18, 2016 at 6:58 pmSuch a soul-soothing soup! Gorgeous pictures too Jodi!
Jodi Kay
January 19, 2016 at 3:22 amOh thank you, Grace! x