Lentils often get a bad rap. Let’s face it, straight lentil soup can be a bit boring. But this Spiced Lentil & Vegetable Soup is anything but boring. The lentils combine with a variety of vegetables, a variety of seasonings, and are topped with the fresh taste of cilantro. This isn’t your mother’s lentil soup!

Yield: 5 Servings

Total Time: 50 Minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.

Add cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, stirring for 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the vegetable broth and add lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.

Add diced tomatoes and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish Spiced Lentil & Vegetable Soup with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 220; Total Fat: 1 g; Carbs: 40 g; Dietary Fiber: 15 g; Sugars: 6 g; Protein: 14 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 800 mg