Spicy Warm Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups lentils
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3-inch piece of stale bread
• 1 tsp paprika (or 1/2 tsp paprika spice)
• 1 tsp mitmita blend or chili spice
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• Parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. 1Peel the onion and cut it in half. Dice one half and set aside. Cut the other half into two quarters and place in a large pot with 3 smashed garlic cloves, rinsed lentils, and 6 cups of liquid. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 30–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
2. 2When lentils are almost ready, crisp up the bread in a separate pan in the olive oil. Remove the bread from the pan and set aside. Sauté the diced onions in the same pan for a few minutes.
3. 3Add paprika and spice to the onions and cook for 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes.
4. 4Grind the fried bread into crumbs or chop into small bits. Add the bread and tomato mixture to the soup, stir, and cook for a few more minutes. Add more water if the lentils have absorbed most of the liquid.
5. 5Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.