Crockpot Lentil Soup - A Delicious Vegetarian Dish - Yummy Gusto

Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped into small cubes
• 4 medium carrots, sliced into half-inch pieces after peeling
• 3 celery stalks, sliced thinly
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces (1 can) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups of green or brown lentils, the French variety
• 4 cups of veggie broth with less salt
• 2 tablespoons of good-quality olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian herb seasoning mix
• Parmesan rind to throw into the pot while cooking (if you want)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Some grated Parmesan cheese for serving