Spicy Lentil and Kale Soup - Feed Your Potential

Ingredients

• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion peeled and diced 1/4"
• 1 rib celery diced 1/4"
• 1 carrot peeled and diced 1/4"
• 1 leek trimmed and diced 1/4" (white and pale green parts only)
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp garlic and herb seasoning blend (salt free)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes in juice (no salt added)
• 3/4 cup dried brown lentils (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup fresh kale greens (stems removed, chopped 1")
• 4 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp hot pepper sauce (for example, Tabasco or Frank's)