Mexican Lentil Soup

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp

olive oil

1 1/2 cups

chopped yellow onion ((1 medium))

1 1/2 cups

chopped yellow bell pepper ((1 medium))

1 1/4 cups

peeled and diced carrots ((2 medium))

jalapeno, (seeds discarded, chopped (optional))

1 1/2 tbsp

minced garlic ((4 cloves))

7 cups

low-sodium vegetable broth, (then more as desired)

2 14.5 ounce cans

fire roasted tomatoes

1 1/4 cups

brown lentils, (rinsed and picked over)

1 tbsp

ancho chili powder

2 tsp

ground cumin

1/2 tsp

ground coriander

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup

chopped cilantro

1 tbsp

fresh lime juice

Tortilla strips or crumbled tortilla chips

avocados, (diced )

Crumbled cotija or Mexican blend shredded cheese