The Magic of Lentils

Lentils are the unsung heroes of the culinary world. First of all, they are super cheap, super versatile, and super tasty. They cook in an instant, absorb flavors marvelously well, and will load you up on protein, fiber, and iron. If you haven't played with them much in the kitchen, boy are you missing out on a real treasure. This soup recipe is going to show just how great they can be!

Time to get cookin'!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Great, let's get started!

The Steps (and how to make it your own)

1. Sweat the veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Do not be afraid to let the onion get a little golden brown-it really adds so much flavor.
2. Flavor explosion: Add the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for 1 minute more. Just smell that aroma, simply divine!
3. Lentil magic: Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Pro tip: To make the soup extra creamy, you can use a hand blender to puree about half of it!
4. Finishing touches: Stir in the parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. It should be just right!

Now, make it your own!

• Spice it up: Like a little heat in your life? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Get cheesy: Add a handful of crumbled feta or some shredded Parmesan cheese for that cheesy kick. The idea of adding more nutrition will blow your mind: * Bulk it up: Add in cooked quinoa for some extra protein, or a handful of chopped spinach. Go Green: This is amazing with some finely chopped kale or spinach tossed into the soup.

More Than a Meal

This lentil soup is comfort food for a cold day. You can feel the warmth in every spoonful and the satisfaction of flavors. It also extends an invitation to meal prep, so you may have a healthful, delicious meal on hand at the stroke of time. And with all the ingredients, it will be kind to your wallet, too!

Ready to try this lentil soup? Let me tell you, you won't be disappointed. One of the 'get-you-to-be' vegetarian recipes for days, at least. :) Let me know how it comes out!