Last week was a hard one. My dad was really sick and was in the hospital for 8 days.

After I taught each morning I would go to the hospital and hang out with him until late in the afternoon. It’s funny how exhausting being in a hospital can be. I wasn’t doing anything other than sitting and talking with him or working and reading when he was sleeping.

I would get home each day and feel totally worn out. When I am feeling worn out and stressed I crave warm, comforting food like soup.

This soup was just what the doctor ordered. It is Spicy Sesame Carrot Soup with Red Lentils by @thefirstmess.

It was creamy, hearty, spicy, and delicious. Plus, add sesame oil to anything (just about) and I’m a happy camper.

Not only was the soup delicious but it was beautiful to look at. The bright orange of the carrots and lentils mixed with the red chili oil, black sesame seeds, and fresh basil made it look like a piece of artwork.

It was also the perfect end to a long day. I don’t know about you but there is something so meditative and therapeutic about chopping veggies. The soup was equally delicious the next day too!