Recipe of Spicy Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Directions

1. 1

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened (about 5 minutes).

2. 2

   Add minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. 3

   Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.

4. 4

   Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. 5

   Just before serving, stir in lemon juice for a fresh kick. Remove the bay leaf.

6. 6

   Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with cilantro or parsley and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.