Velvety Lentil Tomato Soup with Tangy Lemon

This velvety lentil tomato soup is a delicious, nutritious, and comforting dish perfect for any season. The texture of the lentils combined with the rich flavor of tomatoes creates a hearty base, and the tangy hint of lemon brightens up each spoonful. This soup is easy to make and packs a punch with its blend of spices and fresh ingredients. Enjoy it with a crusty piece of bread or a fresh side salad.

Ingredients:- 1 cup dried red lentils- 1 tablespoon olive oil- 1 large onion, finely chopped- 2 garlic cloves, minced- 2 large carrots, diced- 1 celery stalk, diced- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes- 4 cups vegetable broth- 1 teaspoon ground cumin- 1 teaspoon ground coriander- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika- Salt and pepper to taste- Juice of 1 lemon- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:1. Prepare the lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. Set aside.2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.3. Add the spices: Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.4. Add tomatoes and broth: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.5. Cook the lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.6. Blend the soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.7. Season and finish: Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency of the soup with additional broth if needed.8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Enjoy your velvety lentil tomato soup with tangy lemon for a comforting and flavorful meal!