Hearty Lentil Soup

Yummy recipe and so easy!

Ingredients:

• 2 T olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 pound lentils, rinsed
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (I used fire roasted)
• 1 quart low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Spices to add as desired:

• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• pinch of hot pepper flakes

Directions:

Place oil into a pot and set over medium heat.  Once hot, add onions, carrots, celery, and peppers – cook for approximately 8 min.  Add lentils, tomatoes with juice, broth, and spices – stir. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Now reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the lentils are tender, approximately 35-40 minutes.  Add spinach in at the last minute – stir well.   Serve immediately – you can freeze leftovers.

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