📖 Instructions

1. First, rinse 1 cup of brown or green lentils under cold water. This helps remove any debris and ensures even cooking. Set aside. Don't forget this step, its important!
2. Next, finely chop 1 medium onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. Remember, the finer the chop, the smoother the soup becomes. Unless you like chunks of carrot!
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Nice and soft is the goal here.
4. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin to the pot. Stir and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Mmmmm, that garlicky goodness!
5. Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (or more, to taste!), and a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional). Cook for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and fully unleash their aromatic potential. Do it right!
6. Now, pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if you prefer). Add the rinsed lentils, 1 cup of frozen or fresh corn, and 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained. Stir to combine all the ingredients into a tasty concoction.
7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. You should be able to easily mash them with a fork. If you want to check, use a fork!
8. Once the lentils are cooked, use an immersion blender to partially or fully purée the soup, depending on your preference. I prefer some texture, but it's up to you. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, but be cautious of hot liquids!
9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, if desired. A small squirt does wonders!
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream (optional), and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional). Enjoy your delightful and healthy lentil soup!