Lebanese Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup diced celery – Dandy ® brand is sweet, crisp, and creates a delicious base flavor for our soup!
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon Lebanese Seven Spice , optional
• 1 teaspoon turmeric, optional for color
• 2 cups split red lentils, rinsed well
• ¼ cup basmati rice
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 8 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, from about 1 large juicy lemon
• ½ cup chopped cilantro or parsley