Smoky Lentil Soup Recipe

The Smoky Lentil Soup Recipe is a warm hug for your insides!  It is gut healthy.  And it tastes amazing!  

I used to hate lentils and thought that people that ate them were weirdos but then I discovered red lentils.  Everyone I've made the soup for loves it so you don't have to take my word for it... I have references ;-)

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil

Half of an onion (minced)

2 Carrots (peeled and minced)

2 Celery stalks (minced)

3 Garlic cloves (minced)

2 Tablespoons smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon tumeric

1 1/2 cups red lentils (rinsed

5 cups vegetable broth

1 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk

1-2 Cups of Fresh Spinach (chopped)

2 teaspoons kosher salt (more or less to taste)

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons honey to taste (optional)

Instructions

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.)

5. Serve with socca or some other flatbread for dipping and dunking. Wholesome, colorful, and SO yummy!