Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil — or cooking oil of choice
• 1 large red, yellow, or white onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, finely diced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups lentils, rinsed — 1 pound
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

Method

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Sauté onions, carrots, red pepper flakes, and garlic in oil until soft.
3. Add tomatoes, bay leaf, salt and pepper and stir well.
4. Add rinsed lentils and broth and simmer until lentils are soft, about 30 minutes.
5. Keep checking lentils until they are done.
6. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.