Skip to main content

Featured

Greens Stun Labour in Historic Gorton & Denton Upset

  The Green Party's Hannah Spencer joyous after the results of the Gorton and Denton by-election were announced Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been dealt a significant political setback after the Green Party captured Gorton and Denton, a Greater Manchester seat Labour had held for nearly a century. The by‑election result pushed Labour into third place, behind both the Greens and Reform UK, highlighting growing fractures in Britain’s traditional two‑party landscape. Green candidate Hannah Spencer secured the victory with a commanding share of the vote, marking the party’s first parliamentary by‑election win in northern England. Reform UK finished second, while Labour’s unusually weak performance intensified pressure on Starmer amid ongoing political turbulence and calls for stronger leadership.  The loss of such a long‑standing Labour stronghold underscores shifting voter sentiment and raises questions about the party’s ability to maintain its traditional base. Analysts have...

article

Healthy Meals: Lentil Soup



Here's a classic Lentil Soup recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)


Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lentils:

  • Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain them.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Add Spices and Garlic:

  • Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika (if using), and bay leaf. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.

4. Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes:

  • Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable or chicken broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

5. Season and Finish:

  • Once the lentils are cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  • Stir in the lemon juice for a fresh, bright flavor.

6. Serve:

  • Ladle the lentil soup into bowls.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

This lentil soup is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a comforting meal. You can also customize it by adding other vegetables or spices to suit your taste.





Comments