Description

It's that time of the year, soup time. Make a healthy soup in about 45 minutes that's simple and economical to make. Best of all, it's delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 T olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 14 oz. can crushed or diced tomatoes with juices
• 2 c. dry green or brown lentils
• 7 c. vegetable broth
• 1/2 t. ground cumin
• 1/2 t. ground coriander
• 1 t. smoked paprika
• 1 t. salt, or to taste
• 3 c. fresh baby spinach, sliced into ribbons (or kale)
• 2 T. freshly squeezed juice from 1 lemon

Steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots and celery; cook, stirring frequently for about 4-5 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes, lentils, broth, cumin, coriander and smoked paprika; stir well. Bring to a boil; lower heat to a simmer; cook for 30 minutes, until lentils are tender and soup has thickened.
3. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a few times in the pot. Or, add 1 to 2 c. of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth; return to the pot.