Spiced Vegan Lentil Soup

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 white onion or medium yellow, chopped
• 2 carrots peeled and chopped
• 4 garlic cloves pressed or minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes drained
• 1 cup green lentils or brown, picked over and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt more to taste
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup collard greens chopped fresh, or kale, tough ribs removed
• 1 lemon medium, to taste

1. Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. One-fourth cup olive oil may seem like a lot, but it adds a lovely richness and heartiness to this nutritious soup.
2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrot and cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, curry powder and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, in order to enhance their flavor.
3. Pour in the lentils, broth and the water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
4. Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender. Protect your hand from steam with a tea towel placed over the lid and puree the soup until smooth. Pour the pureed soup back into the pot and add the chopped greens. Cook for 5 more minutes, or until the greens have softened to your liking.
5. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the juice of half of a lemon. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. Serve immediately.

extravirgin olive oil, white onion, carrots, garlic, ground cumin, curry powder, thyme, tomatoes, green lentils, vegetable broth, water, salt, red pepper, freshly ground black pepper, collard greens, lemon

Taken from www.yummly.com/recipe/Spiced-Vegan-Lentil-Soup-1491745 (may not work)