LENTIL SOUP

Title: Hearty Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Lentils:
   • Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and bay leaf.
4. Incorporate Lentils and Tomatoes:
   • Add rinsed lentils and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in Broth:
   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Simmer:
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
7. Add Greens and Lemon Juice:
   • Stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted. Add the juice of one lemon to brighten the flavors.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
9. Serve:
   • Ladle the hearty lentil soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Time and Intensity:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
• Intensity: Easy

Note: This Hearty Lentil Soup is a nutritious and satisfying dish that’s easy to make. Packed with vegetables, lentils, and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s a comforting option for a wholesome meal. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment of this hearty lentil soup, especially on chilly days!