Spiced Winter Lentil Soup

Spiced Winter Lentil Soup

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (for brightness)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
    • Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    • Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Simmer the Soup:
    • Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir well.
    • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
  3. Add Greens:
    • Stir in chopped kale or spinach, if using, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Season and Finish:
    • Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  5. Serve and Garnish:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

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