Vegan Lentil Soup

  With temperatures hitting record lows all over the country, many people just need something comforting and delicious to warm them up. Of course chili and chicken noodle soup never really get old, lentil soup is something you should totally give a chance if you would like to add some variety to your weekly Winter meal rotations. This soup is vegan friendly, gluten free, and tastes great! Plus, I included a few tweaks you can make to change it up even more. Now what are you waiting for, get cooking!

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Ingredients:

•  3 carrots, sliced

• 3 stalks celery

• 1 ½ cups lentils

• 3 cloves garlic

• ¼ cup parsley

• ½ onion

• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 6 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

1. Sautee carrots, celery, and onion for eight minutes or until softened.

2. Add in tomato paste and cook another minute.

3. Add in garlic and cook another minute.

4. Add in tomatoes, broth, lentils, and seasonings(not parsley) and bring to a boil.

5. Turn down to a simmer and let cook for 30 minutes or until the lentils are full cooked.

6. Serve as an appetizer, snack, side dish, or even main course with garlic bread.

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How to change it up:

• Add in shredded chicken or beef for a more hearty meal.

• Add potatoes for another alternative to making a more hearty meal.

• Use fresh spices to add more flavor.

• Use French lentils for more of a bite.

• Stir in a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.

• Be creative!