Hearty Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes, including liquid
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 pinch each of sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste/li>

Instructions:

1. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and add the onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes or until they turn translucent.
2. Add in the celery and carrots, and cook another 5 minutes or until they soften.
3. Add in the thyme, oregano, paprika and cayenne pepper along with the lentils, and stir until lentils and vegetables are coated with the spices.
4. Add the tomatoes and vegetable stock. Heat the soup to boiling, then reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer until the lentils are cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.