Super Flavorful Soup--Vegetarian, but Hearty!

Moroccan Red Lentil Soup

Ingredients

Such a flavorful soup.  It's even better the next day!

• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 ribs of celery, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, pressed
• 2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp. sweet paprika
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. fresh ground pepper
• 1-15 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 c. red lentils, washed and rinsed
• 8 c. vegetable stock/broth
• 1 1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 lemon, juiced
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 4 T. flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 T. cilantro, chopped

1. Saute the onions, celery and carrots in 1 T. of olive oil for 5 min.  Add garlic and stir for one more minute.
2. Add sauteed veggies to slow cooker
3. Add spices, salt and pepper, crushed tomatoes and lentils to the slow cooker and stir to combine.  
4. Pour vegetable stock over lentil and veggie mixture and cook on LOW (if you are starting in the morning and will be gone all day) or HIGH (if you are starting it around lunchtime).
5. Prior to serving, stir in vinegar, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, parsley and cilantro, and cook an another 10 min. on HIGH.
6. Serve with warm pita bread and garnish with parsley and cilantro if you wish.