Have Mercy on Me Spicy Lentil Soup (With Crock Pot Instructions)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion (dice half and chop the other half)
• kosher salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 1-2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 large celery ribs, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup chopped cauliflower
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 16 ounces dry lentils

• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can vegetable broth

• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
• 8 cups water
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add onions, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper, cover and simmer for 6 minutes, or until onions are clear and soft.

2. 2

   (If using the crockpot, you would now transfer the onion mixture to your crockpot, add all other dry and liquid ingredients and give it a good stir, and cook on LOW for 8 hours until the lentils are soft. If using the stovetop, please continue to step 3.).

3. 3

   Add celery, carrots, garlic, cauliflower, curry, and cumin, and stir. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. 4

   Stir in lentils, vegetable broth and tomatoes. Cover and let simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. 5

   Add 8 cups of water and increase to high heat, and leave uncovered until it begins to boil.

6. 6

   When the soup comes to a boil, reduce heat and add cayenne pepper. Let simmer for at least 2 hours, or until lentils are soft.