Healthy Meals: Lentil Soup

Here's a classic Lentil Soup recipe:

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lentils:

• Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain them.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Add Spices and Garlic:

• Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika (if using), and bay leaf. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.

4. Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes:

• Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable or chicken broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

5. Season and Finish:

• Once the lentils are cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove and discard the bay leaf.
• Stir in the lemon juice for a fresh, bright flavor.

6. Serve:

• Ladle the lentil soup into bowls.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

This lentil soup is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a comforting meal. You can also customize it by adding other vegetables or spices to suit your taste.