Southwestern Vegetarian Lentil Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 -2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder (I used New Mexican)
• 2 teaspoons paprika (I used smoked Spanish)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 cups water (add vegetable bouillon at end so the salt does not keep lentils from cooking) or 8 cups vegetable broth (add vegetable bouillon at end so the salt does not keep lentils from cooking)
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained (may use 2 cans)
• 1 cup brown lentils, picked clean and rinsed
• 6 -8 vegetable bouillon cubes (only if using water)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 2 zucchini, diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained
• 1 (2 1/2 ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced
• 6 roma tomatoes, chopped- use seeds and juice (about 3 cups)
• 3 -4 tablespoons fresh lime juice or 3 -4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• salt, to taste
• Optional toppings
• sour cream
• cheese, shredded
• green onion, chopped
• cilantro, chopped
• hot pepper sauce
• lime wedge, fresh
• tortilla chips

1. In a large pot, heat oil, saute onion, carrot, and jalapeno, until soft, about 10 minutes.
2. Add garlic and spices and saute 2 minutes.
3. Stir in water or broth and scrape any spices that stuck to the pan.
4. Stir in green chilies and lentils. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for about 40 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Uncover and stir in bouillon cubes, if using, and sugar.
6. Stir in spinach, zucchini, corn and olives. Bring to a boil and cook until zucchini is tender about 5 minutes.
7. Remove from heat, stir in tomatoes, lime or lemon juice and salt to taste.
8. Serve with desired toppings.

olive oil, white onion, carrot, pepper, garlic, red chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, oregano, ground coriander, onion powder, ground black pepper, water, green chilies, brown lentils, water, sugar, spinach, zucchini, whole kernel corn, black olives, roma tomatoes, salt, toppings, sour cream, cheese, green onion, cilantro, pepper sauce, lime, tortilla chips

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/southwestern-vegetarian-lentil-soup-443160 (may not work)