Hearty Red Lentil Soup
Servings:Makes 6 servingsServing Size:1 cupRecipe Cost:$6.24Cost per Serving:$1.04

Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry red lentils or 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney, pinto, or white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced or 1 can (15 ounces) carrots, rinsed and drained
- 2 celery ribs, diced or 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chopped fresh greens (turnip, collard, or kale) or 1 can (15 ounces) spinach, drained
- 4 cups (32 ounces) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
Directions:
- Wash hands with warm water and soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
- Gently clean all the produce under cool running water.
- Sort and rinse 1 cup of dry red lentils under cold water. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes and their juice. Add the rinsed red lentils and stir to combine.
- Stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh greens.
- Add 4 cups (32 ounces) of low-sodium vegetable broth, 2 cups of water, and 1 bay leaf to the Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (if using).
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve
Source: University of Kentucky Food as Health Alliance
Nutrition facts per serving: 160 calories; 5 g total fat; 0.5 g saturated fat; 0 g trans fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 310 mg sodium; 22 g total carbohydrate; 7 g dietary fiber; 5 g total sugars; 0 g added sugars; 7 g protein; 0% Daily Value of vitamin D; 6% Daily Value of calcium; 15% Daily Value of iron; and 15% Daily Value of potassium