Hearty Lentil Soup II

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the cumin, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the lentils, broth, carrots, celery, and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Lentils are one of the oldest known cultivated crops.
• Lentils are a good source of protein, iron, and fiber.
• This soup is vegan and gluten-free.