Moroccan Lentil Carrot Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil (avocado, extra virgin olive oil, or canola)
• 1 yellow onion, medium dice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• salt
• pepper
• 2 tbsp of tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Piquant Post Casablanca Blend
• 4 cups of low-salt vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup medium diced carrots (1-2 carrots)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (1 lemon)
• large handful of fresh spinach
• 2 tbsp of chopped cilantro (optional)
• 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts (optional)