Lentil soup with kale

Serves: 6
Time: 1 hour

With its rich spices, this lentil soup recipe is perfect for fall, snuggling up in front of a fire and a warm belly.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup peeled and chopped tomatoes
1 pound lentils, picked and rinsed
2 quarts vegetables broth
1/2 package kale
2 teaspoons Smokin' Texas Gourmet Smoked Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons Smokin' Texas Gourmet Holiday Spice

Directions

Place the olive oil into a large soup pot and set to medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, carrot, celery and salt and sweat until the onions are translucent, about 6 to 7 minutes. Add the lentils, tomatoes, broth, and Smokin' Texas Gourmet Holiday Spice and stir to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring just to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook at a low simmer until the lentils are tender, approximately 35 to 40 minutes.

Rinse the kale, remove center ribs and chop the large leafs. Steam the kale for approximately 5 minutes, or until done.

Using a stick blender, puree the soup to your preferred consistency. Dish soup, add steamed kale and serve immediately.