Recipe: 30-minute lentil soup

Lentil soup made in the Qi To Wellness Kitchen

Serves 4.

1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced or crushed
1 medium bell pepper, sliced
2-3 stalks celery, chopped
1 yellow or green zucchini, chopped
1/2 bag of whole carrots, sliced
1/2 bag dried lentils, soaked, rinsed and parboiled (or 1 package Steamed Lentils from Trader Joe's)
2 tablespoons olive oil
5-6 cups water or chicken/bone/vegetable broth - enough to cover
Salt, pepper, cumin and other seasonings of choice to taste

In a 4-qt pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onions, peppers, garlic and sauté until softened, about 1 minute. Add carrots, celery, seasonings and sauté 3 more minutes.
Add water, lentils and zucchini, bring to a slow boil.
Reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
Add more water if desired.
Serve warm with crusty bread or salad.