Lentil Shorbet Adas (Traditional Lebanese Soup)

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 cup (250 mL) yellow onion, small dice
• 1 cup (250 mL) carrots, dice
• 1 cup (250 mL) celery stalks, small dice
• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 mL) cumin
• ½ tsp (2 mL) ground turmeric
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) coriander (optional)
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) black pepper
• 1 cup (250 mL) whole red lentils, dry and rinsed
• 2 qts (2 L) vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• ¼ cup (60 mL) fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) fresh lemon juice (optional)
• fresh parsley, chopped
• lemon wedges
• toasted pita bread or crusty bread