Easy Simple Lentil Soup with Veggies That Warms the Soul

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown or Green Lentils (rinsed)
• 2 medium Carrots (diced)
• 2 stalks Celery Stalks (chopped)
• 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 6 cups Vegetable Broth (low sodium)
• 1 leaf Bay Leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Preparation Steps ---

2. 2

   Rinse lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear.

3. 3

   Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until they soften, about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. 5

   Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes until lentils are tender.

6. 6

   Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup, then adjust salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you’d like a gentle kick.

7. 7

   Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley or cilantro. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with extra herbs or a pinch of pepper flakes.