Red Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 carrots (peeled)
• 3 celery stalks
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock for a non vegitarian option)
• 1 1/2 cups red lentils
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Dice the carrots, onion, and celery by hand or in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped.

2. 2

   In a large pot, heat oil to medium high. Add the diced vegetables and saute until softened (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally. Add garlic and saute another minute.

3. 3

   Add tomato paste, cuminand cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Stir in the lentils and stock.

4. 4

   Bring to a boil. Lower the heat to simmer partially covered for 30 minutes or until lentils are cooked and the vegetables are tender.

5. 5

   Add the lemon juice, and cilantro. Taste and season as needed before serving.