Hearty Lentil Soup

😋 Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained

8 cups vegetable broth

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups chopped kale or spinach

Juice of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley, for garnish

n a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.

Add the garlic, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Once the lentils are cooked, remove and discard the bay leaves. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Add the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted.

Stir in the lemon juice and remove the soup from the heat.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. You can also serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.😋