Red Lentil Soup

This quick and easy recipe for lentil soup puts a hearty vegetarian dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive/avocado oil

• 1 large carrot, diced

• 2 large stalks celery, diced

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed

• 1 cup dried red lentils

• 4 cups water or low-sodium broth (home made is best)

• 1 whole bay leaf

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 large lemon)

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrot, celery, onion and salt and stir to combine. Cover and let the vegetables sweat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the lentils, water or broth, and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer, covered, until the lentils begin to fall apart, about 20 minutes.

3. Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Taste and season with salt as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve with toppings if desired.