Easy Red Lentil Soup

0 In a large pot, saute the chopped onion in olive oil for 3-4 minutes on medium/low heat. Add in the minced garlic, and toss together for an additional minute. 
1 Add in your spices, tomato paste, lentils and carrots/cauliflower rice if using, and stir together on medium heat to 1-2 minutes. 
2 Pour in your vegetable broth and water, cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the flame to low and let the soup simmer for about 35 minutes. 
3 Stir the soup every 10 minutes, and taste along the way to adjust the seasoning. Towards the end, squeeze in about 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice and mix together. 
4 The lentils break apart with the liquid, so blending is not necessary. If you want a creamier soup, you can use your immersion blender or let the soup cool and blend it in your blender. 
5 Top with your favorite toppings