Lentil Soup

homemade lentil soup, which isn’t really a recipe but goes like this”
2 cups dry red lentils (rinsed)
2 cans chopped tomatoes (can be seasoned or not…include all liquid)
4 cloves chopped fresh garlic
1 chopped onion (red onion is nice and sweet)
2 tsp chicken base concentrate
2 cups leftover finely diced ham, chicken, cooked beef, cooked ground beef (change to beef base if using beef)
4 chopped peeled carrots
2-3 stalks chopped celery
1 cup diced red/yellow peppers (you could use green peppers too if that’s all you have handy)
2 cups thinly sliced spinach leaves
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sea salt
2 cups water
cook on high for 6 hrs or until lentils and veggies are done to your liking. If you like your lentil soup creamier, take out about 2-3 cups and puree in your blender or with a stick mixer and return to the pot.add 1/4 c balsamic vinegar or let individuals add balsamic vinegar to taste. top with fresh plain yogurt or sour cream. i like to add a tsp of curry powder towards the end too, but i like curry in almost everything. serve with fresh whole grain bread or rolls and a green salad.

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