At Story House Early Learning, mealtimes are more than just food on a plate; they’re moments of comfort, discovery, and full tummies. Behind the scenes at our Mernda centre, our talented Chef Sunny has been serving up nutritious, delicious meals with heart.
With a deep passion for creating child-friendly meals packed with goodness, Chef Sunny has perfected dishes that our little learners genuinely look forward to. Curious what’s on the menu?
Today, we’re sharing one of these family favourites straight from Chef Sunny’s kitchen, her much-loved Pumpkin, Sweet Potato and Lentil soup recipe. Packed with nutrients and hidden veg, this one’s a hit at lunchtime and perfect for the whole family to recreate at home.
Chef Sunny’s Lentil and Sweet Potato Dhal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 an onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger, minced or grated
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon Vegeta
- 1 tin of lentils (400g can, drained and rinsed)
- 300g pumpkin, peeled and chopped
- 300g sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups vegetable stock
Method
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped pumpkin, sweet potato, and vegetable stock to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Once the vegetables are soft, use a stick blender to blitz the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the drained lentils, Vegeta, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes to heat through and allow the flavours to come together.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with crispy garlic bread on the side.
Whether it’s their first taste of soup or a regular favourite, this dish is always a winner at Story House. It’s hearty, wholesome, and made with love, just how Chef Sunny likes it.
Stay tuned for more recipes and behind-the-scenes moments from our incredible team of educators, carers, and chefs.
