Hearty Lentil Soup

• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded + chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded + chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled + chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tbsp. chopped garlic
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. coriander
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 12 oz. soyrizo (vegan chorizo) or use regular chorizo
• 1 1/2 cups dry brown lentils
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes
• 8 cups reduced sodium vegetable broth

Drizzle a soup pot with avocado oil over medium heat.  Add the onion, bell peppers, carrots, celery and garlic to the pot.  Cook until starting to soften, about 10 minute.

Add the Rotel tomatoes and stir to mix well. Add the soyrizo (or chorizo),  along with all the seasonings, breaking up the soyrizo with a wooden spoon.

Add the lentils, tomato paste and broth to the pot and stir to mix well.  Bring the soup to a simmer, cover the pot with the lid cracked and allow to simmer for 50 minutes.

Enjoy!!