Mom's Hot Dog Soup

The reason I even made this is that it sounded really funny. I thought it was a perfect recipe to feed the kids before they went out trick-or-treating. I knew I couldn't get anything healthy into them because they're always way too excited but I was pretty sure I could get them to fall for hot dog soup. I was right. The original version of this soup was super unhealthy but with a little culinary trickery, the sodium, fat and calorie contents are acceptable.

Tip: If you're not a fan of hot dogs, substitute diced ham.

Up the good calories: Stir in roughly chopped baby spinach just before serving, skip the taco seasonings and flavor instead with the juice of a lemon and cracked black pepper.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

1	cup yellow, red, green or black lentils
4	cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
2-3	thinly sliced hot dogs
	seasonings to taste

	In a large pot, boil lentils and chicken or vegetable stock. Immediately reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft, about 30 minutes.
	Add hot dogs. Season any way you like, our house favorite: taco seasoning mix, but just a little. Start with a half teaspoon, tasting after each addition.
	Heat until hot dogs are warmed through and seasonings have come together, about 5 minutes more.

Print-friendly view