Hearty Homemade Lentil Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl - The Pass and Provisions

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) dried lentils (green, brown, or red)
• 6 cups (1.5L) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz/400g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (60g) chopped fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)