thick_n_saucy on November 5, 2024: "Mediterranean Lentil Soup - a protein powerhouse Recipe: 2 cups Carrots, diced 2 cups Onion, diced 1 cup Celery, diced 1 cup Spinach, packed 6 + 2 TbSp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 TbSp Cumin 1 TbSp Aleppo Pepper 1 TbSp Black Pepper 1 tsp Garlic Powder 1 tsp Corriander 1 tsp Smoked Paprika 2 TbSP tomato paste 2.4 liters (81oz) Water (you may need to add more if the soup becomes too thick) Optional: 1 cup Cilantro, chopped 4 cloves Garlic, smashed 4 TbSp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Optional Garnish: Jalapeno Red Onion Cilantro -dice your onions, carrots, and celery and set aside -to a pot, add about 6 TbSp of extra virgin olive oil and warm up for about a minute. Add the diced onions and saute until they begin to soften -add all the spices to the onions and give them a mix for about 1 minute -add 2 more tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the tomato paste for about 1 minute then mix the paste into the onions and sauté for another minute or two -pour the water into the pot then add your washed lentils. Bring this to a boil then lower to a simmer. Cover and allow to cook on low heat for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, if you feel the soup has become too thick and too much water has evaporated, add water in 1 cup increments until you’ve reached your desired consistency. -add the carrots and celery, raise the heat to medium and cook for another 15 minutes -add your spinach (you can chop them or add them whole) and give the soup a good mix. Give it a taste and add salt or other spices as you see fit -in a frying pan, add 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and all of your garlic. Sauté until the garlic begins to change color then add your chopped cilantro. Give this all a good sauté for about a minute or two then add the entire thing on top of the soup. Allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes then serve -optional: garnish with jalapeno, onion, cilantro or any veggies you like #lentilsoup #lentils #soup #soupseason #souprecipe#mediterranean".