Mediterranean Lentil Soup with Lemon

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 medium carrots diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 whole lemon juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

1. 1 In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2 Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3 Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. 4 Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes with their juices to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. 5 Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. 6 Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. 7 Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
8. 8 Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.