A hearty, flavorful soup loaded with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. This nutritious dish is perfect for a cozy, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
Liquids and Tomatoes:
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth or water
1 cup water (optional, for thinner soup)
Seasonings and Herbs:
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
