Lentil soup

Lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that's easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Here’s a classic recipe for a delicious lentil soup:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar for added brightness

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

2. Add Spices:

   • Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, and thyme, cooking for about 1 minute to toast the spices.

3. Cook Lentils:

   • Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), broth, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

4. Simmer:

   • Cover and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

5. Add Greens (Optional):

   • If using, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.

6. Season:

   • Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. For added brightness, stir in lemon juice or red wine vinegar if desired.

7. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of yogurt if you like.

This lentil soup is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices. It’s perfect for a comforting meal and pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad. Enjoy!