Lemony Crushed Lentil Soup

 ALMOST as good as La Shish ;)


Lemony Crushed Lentil Soup {VEGAN}

2 c red lentils
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp coriander
pinch Cayenne pepper (to taste)
1 handful fresh cilantro (chopped) and more to garnish
1 tbsp sea salt
1 tbsp black pepper
Juice of 1.5 lemon (more to garnish)
10 c water (sub and/or mix with veggie or chicken stock if you'd like)

**Disclaimer: this soup is very spicy, just how I like it. If you aren't the biggest fan of heat, reduce the coriander and black pepper by half to start and see how you like it. :)

Dice your onions and garlic.  Heat a large soup pot over medium and add olive oil. Sautee garlic and onions until soft & smelling delicious.  Stir in the lentils (make sure to wash them in a strainer) and pour in about 10 cups of water.  You may need more depending on the consistency you like (I happen to like mine thick).  Get the lentils and onions up to a boil for about 20 min. Reduce heat to medium low and stir in the rest of the ingredients except lemon juice. Simmer for a few minutes and then either use an immersion blender or puree in a blender to blend until smooth.  Add more water if needed.  Pour back into pot and stir in lemon.  Add more salt, pepper and/or spices to taste. Let simmer for an additional 10 minutes.  Serve hot and garnish with lemon and cilantro.  Serve with a crusty baguette or if you're carb-conscious, a side of greens! YUM.

Sidenote: ARGH this soup is so easy. This is the kind of soup that makes me want to scream when people say they can't afford to eat healthy foods.  YES YOU CAN! You can feed a whole family with this soup for a couple of dollars. Beans & greens...cheap as can be!  Anyway, enjoy!