Spicy-smoky-soulful Lentil Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• olive oil, for sauteing (about 2 tbsp.)
• 2 small onions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 6 teaspoons bacon bits
• 1 1/2 cups dried lentils
• 1 (1 ounce) can vegetable broth
• 3 -4 cups water (or more broth)
• 4 teaspoons tabascoâ® brand chipotle pepper sauce (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (or to taste)

Recipe

• 1 in large pot, sauté onion, garlic and celery in olive oil.
• 2 when transparent (not browned) add oregano, cumin, parsley and bacon bits.
• 3 sauté a bit longer, then add vegetable broth and lentils.
• 4 stir, then add 2 cups of water (or more broth).
• 5 bring to boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes.
• 6 uncover, add 1 to 2 more cups of water (use your judgment) and add the chipotle tabasco, salt and liquid smoke.
• 7 cook uncovered over low heat for approximately another 20 to 30 minutes.