Red Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons water
• 2 medium carrots, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery, peeled and finely diced
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed saffron threads
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 ½ cups water, more as needed
• 1 pound red lentils (2 cups), picked over and rinsed
• 5 ounces spinach, coarsely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 5 tablespoons of water over medium heat. Add the finely diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add water as needed to prevent sticking and burning.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomato, ground cumin, crushed saffron threads, and ground turmeric. Allow the spices to toast briefly, about 1 minute, to enhance their flavors.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth, 1 ½ cups of water, and the rinsed red lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4. Add the Spinach: Stir in the coarsely chopped spinach and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and tender.
5. Option: If you prefer a creamier texture, let the soup cool down before transferring it to a blender for blending.
6. Season to Taste: Season the soup with kosher salt and ground pepper, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference. If the soup is too thick, you can add more water as needed until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Ladle the hot Red Lentil Soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
8. Enjoy: Delight in the comforting warmth and wholesome flavors of this Red Lentil Soup, relishing each spoonful of its nourishing ingredients. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days, or freeze for longer storage.

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