Lentil- Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 7-8 cups sodium-free vegetable stock
• 1 cup red lentil
• 4-5 cups swiss chard, washed and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed (peel if desired)
• 1 stalk celery
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 156 ml no-added-salt tomato paste (1 small can)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. 1

   Put all ingredients EXCEPT lemon juice in a large pot; stir well so the lentils don't stick to the bottom and burn. Bring to a boil.

2. 2

   Reduce heat to a simmer and let cook, covered, 45 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in lemon juice and serve with bread; or,.

4. 4

   For a thick and warming stew, stir a few spoonfuls of a leftover cooked grain into each bowl before serving: wild rice, brown rice and millet are all good options. Enjoy!