• • 1 cup of lentils (green or brown, rinsed and drained)

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • 1 medium onion, chopped

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 2 carrots, diced

• • 2 celery stalks, diced

• • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice

• • 6 cups vegetable broth or water

• • 1 bay leaf

• • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

• • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

• • 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped

• • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for heat

• • 1 potato, diced