LENTIL SOUP

Lentil soup is a hearty, nutritious dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of year. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup lentils (green or brown), rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lemon juice (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Add the rinsed lentils and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Add Greens (if using): If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.
6. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley.

Enjoy!

This lentil soup is filling and full of flavor, making it a great choice for a cozy meal. You can also customize it by adding other vegetables or spices to suit your taste!