Easy Red Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, cut into cubes
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 medium stalks of celery, diced
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1½ cups dried red lentils
Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery stalks. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens (about 5 minutes).
2. Stir in garlic, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and tomato paste darkens slightly (1-2 minutes).
3. Stir in 6 cups broth and 1½ cups dried red lentils. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until lentils are tender (15-18 minutes).
4. If you want a creamy consistency soup, puree with a blender to your desired consistency. Taste and season with kosher salt as needed. You can also garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves.
Yield: 6-8 servings
Recipe: thekitchn.com