Standing - trousers rolled to knees, sandals dangled loosely from fingertips - at water's edge this afternoon, the ever-evolving nature of Things hit me.
An email arrived from a great, witty friend this morning, one written in reply to some earlier excitement over the extension of our lease. In it, a simple gardening idea was shared. Though mid-winter, I've been hopefully plotting out (in my head, at least) small plans for spring and summer plantings. Gardening, edible or otherwise, is, after all, a constant. The Three Sisters are the major crops of the Iroquois - corn, beans and squash - and, when planted with consideration to growing times, support and nourish one another, both physically and chemically. I should think the relationship spiritual as well.
Later, on the beach, the very ingenuity of the idea struck. We ambled home, I with a head full of summer.
Liberated from the still life (Johanna, when he is done, I will most definitely share) that elegantly curved pumpkin, one with considerable, perhaps even thoughtful character, was cleaved in two. One half was peeled and diced and destined for what turned out to be a remarkably under-whelming batch of millet fritters. Rebecca Wood's recipes always have potential, though, and I vow to chip away until they are worthy of sharing.
Lentil soup with greens
There's a way to go before summer returns. In the meantime, we've been eating soup, soup, soup. I liked this one so much, I cooked it later, with a friend. It's very simple, but then, good soup should be. I can't give it a grand title as it's hardly a 'recipe', so 'Lentil soup with greens' will do.
Soak 1 cup of whole lentils (red, green, brown, black...) for at least 1 hour. Peel and chop 2 onions. Cook them slowly - for as long as your attention can be held - with the chopped stalks of a large bunch of coriander and fewer stalks of parsley in olive oil. I never measure, but I should think any more than 4 is unnecessary. Crush 4 or more cloves of garlic to a paste with a heaped teaspoon of cumin seeds and some coarse sea salt. Add to the now golden onions. Drain the lentils, add them next then chuck in a couple of bay leaves. Add enough water to cover things well and simmer away, lid partially on, until the lentils are tender.
Next, slice lots of greens (whatever looks good) into ribbons and simmer them in a (very) little water until tender and bright. Add to the lentils only when cooked. Chop the coriander leaves roughly - some of that parsley, too - and stir through right before serving. Give everything a good squeeze of lemon juice, add a dollop of yoghurt if that's your thing, and serve.
In return, I'm hoping AOF parts with the magical tea she concocted:
Because I can't get it out of my head.
Such a simple tea too...will post it soon :)
Am glad you get to plant your garden for another year. Can't wait to see the produce.
Posted by: another outspoken female | July 07, 2009 at 09:38 PM
The phrase "Cook them slowly - for as long as your attention can be held" is I think the best cooking instruction I've ever read.
What a cracker that pumpkin is - with it's gorgeous curled top.
Posted by: kathryn | July 08, 2009 at 08:26 AM
AOF: You'd better post it. Or I'm coming over again...
Kathryn: Think of it as a fair exchange for your Three Sisters idea. If that isn't The Best idea I've ever been sent via email, I'll eat my hat.
Posted by: Lucy | July 08, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Hello Lucy. I have 40 unread new blog posts in my Google Reader but I came here first to feed the eye and the heart and get new ideas for feeding the tummy.
I agree with Kathryn about they way you have with words. Your cooking instructions describe the best way to cook -- with feeling.
I shall mark this Lentil Soup with Greens recipe as one to try with my next crop of kale.
Posted by: Elaine | July 08, 2009 at 09:05 AM
Elaine: May I please hand a compliment back to you? Your sweet peas - now that is a joyful post - have got me thinking about planting for joy as well. And you've had me dreaming about summer plantings and warmer nights...thank you. I am Very Flattered!
Posted by: Lucy | July 08, 2009 at 09:16 AM
what gardening joy to have a lease renewed and the lentil soup looks like a good way to bind a friendship - will look forward to your still life
Posted by: Johanna | July 08, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Today's lunch, I think. It's turned very much cooler here this week (13oC this morning) and a bowl of this sounds wonderful. :)
Posted by: Wendy | July 08, 2009 at 04:41 PM
My internet is broken at home so I'm sneaking peeks from work, and yours is the first I came to (to paraphrase Elaine before me).
How are you enjoying the K1000? I have one of those - absolutely loved it! But now of course I haven't touched it since I went digital. Maybe I'll dust it off and buy (gasp!) some film ...
Posted by: suse | July 09, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Johanna: It's a huge relief, to have that lease extended!
Wendy: 13 (!!!). Far out. That's what it was here for most of the morning yesterday. Hope things turn up a little soon...
Suse: I'm loving it! Dust yours off and get cracking...The photos have this really intangible, lovely sort of light to them compared to the pixelation of digital (even though I love my digitals). The only problem is that I have been spoiled in recent times by digital and have to remember that I have a limited number of shots to work with (and, ahem, cash). I think it's making me look more closely with didgital as a result, and I'm taking less shots but better ones now.
Posted by: Lucy | July 10, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Ok I've taken the hint - the simplest "recipe" ever. Winter warming tea http://confessionsofafoodnazi.blogspot.com/2009/07/taking-tea.html
Posted by: another outspoken female | July 10, 2009 at 02:29 PM
I'm going to try this lentil soup with kale from my garden tomorrow !
Posted by: :: wife mom maniac :: | July 10, 2009 at 04:12 PM
What a merry thought to feed one through the winter. And wow that tea looks so potent! I wouldn't mind having a cup, even though it is summer here.
Posted by: Callipygia | July 11, 2009 at 10:52 AM
I would love to see the still life of the pumpkin - he was an industrious pumpkin and had a full life I think.
lentil soup noted for cooler days
Posted by: rachel | July 15, 2009 at 04:32 AM
Thanks for the tip about parsley roots and stalks - I've got some boiling in my soup right now.
Posted by: Arwen from Hoglet K | July 15, 2009 at 08:40 PM
I am beyond captivated by that bowl and that cup of Blue Willow. I want them both *and* their contents.
Every time I study your most recent shots, I get closer and closer to shooting film. As I've said b/4, there is a certain creamy quality, a sharp-blur, to your Pentax shots that digital can only pretend to match straight out of the camera.
Posted by: Susan | July 16, 2009 at 07:16 AM
::wife mom maniac:: I hope you liked it - it's very simple, but satisfying nonetheless!
Calli: Seed catalogues are strewn all over my desk - so many choices! The tea is Very Good.
Rachel: Indeed - he worked hard, he gave his all and his life was not lost in vain.
Arwen: There's so much flavour in those oft chucked away bits! Hope your soup was grand.
Susan: AOF's Willow Pattern plates and cups and saucers are such a visual treat.
"Creamy, sharp-blur" - exactly. (Though these shots here are taken with the digital SLR. I'm learning from film to be gentler with the light, and to compose things with a sharper, more patient eye. I can't wait to see what you will do!)
Posted by: Lucy | July 16, 2009 at 08:20 AM
Nice. I would not have thought they were shot digital.
Posted by: Susan | July 17, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I'm so deeply flattered that you thought they were, darls. Means I'm doing something right!
Posted by: Lucy | July 17, 2009 at 10:55 AM