FRENCH LENTIL SOUP WITH SMOKED PAPRIKA
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 cup carrot, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup French lentils, rinsed
4 cups vegetable stock
1/8 cup tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped chives, for garnish
1 tablespoon soy creamer
In a large pot over medium heat, combine the oil, onion, carrot, garlic, thyme, paprika, mustard and pepper. Stir, cover, and cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to soften.
Add the lentils, stir, then add the vegetable stock, water, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 35 minutes, or longer if needed, until the lentils are fully cooked through.
Remove the bay leaf. Add the lemon juice, stir, and serve, sprinkling with chopped chives and drizzle with soy creamer.