🥕 Veggie Lentil Soup (Vegan)

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 cup dry lentils (brown or green), rinsed

• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes

• 6 cups vegetable broth (or water + bouillon)

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp turmeric (optional but great)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)

• Lemon juice (to finish)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.

2. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Add carrots and celery; cook 3–5 minutes.

4. Stir in lentils, tomatoes, broth, spices, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–35 minutes until lentils are tender.

6. Add spinach/kale and cook 2 more minutes.

7. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. Remove bay leaf and serve hot.