Red Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 1 large sweet onion (chopped (about 2 cups))
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 3-5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 15 ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 2 cups dried red lentils
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• chopped parsley (optional garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Chop all the vegetables for the soup.

2. 2

   Set a large 6-8 quart soup pot over medium heat. Add the oil to the pot. Once hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. And sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions are soft.

3. 3

   Add the vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, dried lentils, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to make sure the lentils don't stick together.

4. 4

   Bring to a boil, then lower the heat if needed and simmer the soup for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can partially cover the pot while cooking for less splatter.

5. 5

   The soup is ready when the lentils are soft and the base has thickened. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed.