french lentil soup with a touch of paprika

french lentil soup with smoked paprika

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil 
1 med/large sweet onion - diced
1 1/2 cup carrot - peel & cut into disks
5 medium/large cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh or dried thyme
1 teaspoon sea salt to start & then more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cups French or brown/green lentils
3 cups vegan vegetable stock
5 cups water
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 of a freshly squeezed lemon juice

How to:

1. Heat a large pot - medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil - more if needed.

2. once pot & oil is hot, Add garlic, onion, carrot, mustard, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the onions soften (stir occasionally).

3. Add the lentils, mix well, add the vegetable tomato paste, vegetable stock and water. Increase the heat to bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 35-40 minutes..

4. once lentils are cooked add lemon juice, salt & pepper to taste. (if needed) Serve & enjoy.