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Lentil Soup with Lime Juice

Filling and tasty lentil soup with spicy green chiles, fresh veggies and a pop of lime!
Lentil, carrot and bell pepper soup served with lime and a slice of bread.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound dried lentils, rinsed
8 cups cold water
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper 
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon thyme or oregano
3 bay leaves
1 can (4 ounces) mild green chiles, drained and chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
⅓ cup lime juice or to taste (or 1 Tablespoon lemon juice)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing.

  3. In a large saucepan, sauté the onion in vegetable oil over medium high heat (350 degrees F in an electric skillet).
  4. Add lentils, water, salt, black pepper, cumin, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium low (250 degrees F in an electric skillet). Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring a few times while it cooks.
  5. Add the green chiles, bell pepper and carrot. Simmer 15 minutes or until the lentils are very soft.
  6. Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves and stir in the lime juice. Serve hot.
  7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try topping soup with plain yogurt or sour cream and chopped tomatoes.
  • This soup is also good if a potato, another carrot, and celery are added.
  • Freeze extra lime juice to use later.

Comments

SO yummy! My family, including 2 year old, loved it! Topped with tomatoes, avocado and nonfat yogurt! Will make this again. Yummy yummy!!!

This was my favorite! I will definitely make this again!

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