Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dry lentils
• 4 cups of vegetable broth (or water)
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks of celery, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils in a colander under cold water and drain them.
2. Heat a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the carrots, celery, tomato, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender.
4. Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with the vegetable broth (or water) and the spices: cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
8. Enjoy this comforting lentil soup full of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to keep your brain healthy!

This soup is a comforting and nutritious option that you can enjoy at any time of the year. I hope you like it!