Hearty Heatlthy Lentil Soup

This is very healthy low cal soup that will fill you and warm you on a cold day . Shredded chicken breast or spicy sausage are optional .

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 Bowls

Ingredients

• 14  ounces green lentils
• 1  large onion
• 2  red peppers (or green or both )
• 4  carrots
• 3  stalks celery
• 3 -4  jalapeno peppers
• 2  cups corn (fresh or frozen )
• 5  garlic cloves
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 8  cups chicken or 8  cups vegetable broth
• 1  tablespoon chili powder
• 2  teaspoons ground cumin
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. 1 . Chop onion , carrots , celery and red peppers into 1/4 inches pieces . Cut jalapenos in half and remove seeds then mince with the garlic .
2. 2 . In a large sauce pan heat olive oil on medium heat . Add onion , carrots , celery , red peppers and jalapeno with garlic . Stir fry till slightly soft . Add the lentils , corn , broth , chili powder , cumin , oregano ,salt and pepper . Bring to a boil stirring often . Cover and reduce heat . Simmer till lentils are soft and vegetables tender , approx 40 minutes . Season to taste . For thicker soup , add a few cups to a blender or food processor .
3. 3 . Serve with French bread or baguette .