Red Lentil Soup

By Joelene

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup red lentils (rinsed and cleaned)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground chili powder
• 1 quart vegetable stock
• 2 large carrots peeled and finely diced
• 3 stalks celery finely diced
• 4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Preparation

Step 1

In a large pot, heat the oil over high heat. Add the onions, garlic and sauté until soft. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, salt and chili powder and sauté for a minute longer.

Add the broth plus 2 cups of water, lentils, carrots and celery. Bring to a simmer and partially cover the pot, turning the heat to medium low. Simmer until the lentils are soft, approximately 30 minutes.

If you like a thicker soup, puree half the lentils with vegetables and fold back into the mixture. Before serving, stir in cilantro.

Serves 4.