Lentil Soup

Ingredients

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• 1 onion, diced.
• 3 carrots, diced.
• 2 ribs celery, diced.
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced.
• 2 cups dry lentils (green or brown), rinsed.
• 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes.
• 4 cups vegetable broth *see note below.
• 3 cups water.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin.
• 2 bay leaves.
• 1 teaspoon paprika.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or more to taste.
• *Note: If you do not have vegetable broth, you may use 4 cups water + 4 teaspoons vegan beef seasoning.
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Preparation

1. In a large stockpot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a small amount of water over medium heat. (about 7 min.)
2. Add garlic, cumin, salt and paprika. Sauté 1 min. more.
3. Add broth, water, tomatoes, lentils and bay leaves.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 40 min. or until lentils are tender.
6. Remove bay leaves prior serving.

Optional: Add 4-5 oz. chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.