Smoky Red Lentil Soup

Creamy soup in a bowl


INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 Tb olive oil
  • half of an onion, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and minced
  • 2 stalks celery, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tb smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14-ounce) coconut milk
  • 1–2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 tsp salt
  • juice of one lemon
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-10 minutes. 
  2. Add the garlic, spices, and lentils. Stir to combine and let it stay on the heat for just a minute to get the garlic smelling really good. 
  3. Add the broth. Bring to a simmer; place lid partially on the pot and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking time. 
  4. Add coconut milk, spinach, salt, lemon juice, and season to taste. (I like a little drizzle of honey, and a couple shakes of garlic powder, onion powder, and cranks of freshly ground black pepper.)