Lentils Soup

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the carrots and celery and continue sautéing for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.