31 Days: Day 10 (Creative in the Kitchen)

So your not a painter? Don't like to sew? But I bet you have to eat right? I find some of my most inspirational moments in the kitchen. Most of the time I'm making some grand concoction out of leftovers and kitchen door condiments. Making the most out of what we have, there is that resourcefulness in me again.
For this meal I actually did some planning ahead and purchased some pantry staples like barley and lentils for hearty winter soups.
Aside from the chicken stock the soup was vegetarian. If you substituted vegetable stock it would be totally vegan.

Hearty Lentil Soup with a Touch of Barley
2 Carton of Chicken or Vegetable Stock
1 Medium Onion (Diced)
2 Cups Diced Carrot
2 Cloves of Garlic (Minced)
2 Stalks of Celery (About One Cup) Diced
1 Cup of Dried Lentils
2 Tbs of Olive Oil

We served our soup with some gooey grilled ham and cheese. Substitute the favorite soup sandwich of your choice.

Saute the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots in the olive oil until the onions become translucent. Add the lentils, salt, pepper, 2 small bay leaves. Continue saute for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Add two cartons of chicken or vegetable stock. Simmer on medium heat for about thirty minutes or until the lentils float and are tender. Enjoy.

What is a creative creation you've made in the kitchen. This is part of a 31 Day series on Being Creative.