Lentil soup is simple to make, delicious, very nutritious, and is a fantastic addition to a healthy diet. It is perfect for lunch or dinner. Add protein or grain and turn the soup into a meal in a bowl:
 
– Add whole-wheat pita chips for a delicious crunch.
– Add shredded rotisserie chicken breasts for a delicious and healthy meal.
 
Ingredients – Soup:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large chopped onion
• 2 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 large peeled and diced carrot
• 2 diced celery stalks
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
• 1 cup red lentils rinsed and drained
• 3 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh or dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
 
Ingredients – Garnish:
• 2 sliced and diced avocados
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
 
Preparation – Soup:
• In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons oil over high heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until golden about 3 – 4 minutes.
• Add carrot and celery, sauté for another 2 minutes.
• Stir in salt and black pepper, sauté for one more minute.
• Add broth and lentils and bring to a simmer.
• Add basil, rosemary and by leaves.
• Lower to low heat and cover pot.
• Simmer until lentils are soft between 30 – 45 minutes.
• Taste and add salt and/or pepper if necessary.
• Remove bay leaves.
• Ladle into bowls and serve.
• Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 5 days.
 
Preparation – Garnish:
• Toss avocado, lemon juice and parsley
• Garnish mixture in the center of the bowl. Serve immediately.
 
Serves: 4
Active Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 212.5 Calories, 19.04g Carbohydrates, 0mg Cholesterol, 13.27g Fat, 275.92mg Potassium, 5.81g Protein, and 229.5mg Sodium