Delicious and Easy Lentil Soup (Vegan friendly)

Ingredients

• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 stalks of celery, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and diced,
• 1 pound green lentils, cleaned and drained
• 1/2 cup of fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
• 1/4 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of butter (omit if making vegan)
• Optional: 2 lbs of braised meat (i.e. beef short rib or beef chuck)