Cozy Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry lentils (brown or green), rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground coriander (optional but nice)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon (key finishing move)

Instructions

1. 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5–7 minutes until soft.
3. 3Add garlic and spices; stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. 4Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf.
5. 5Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
6. 6Cover and cook 30–35 minutes, until lentils are tender.
7. 7Remove bay leaf, add salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
8. 8Optional: blend 1–2 cups of soup and stir back in for creaminess.