Lentil Spinach Soup with Lemon

INGREDIENTS

3 tbsp

olive oil

whole onion, (diced)

whole carrot, (peeled and diced)

1 tsp

minced garlic

1 tbsp

tomato paste

1 1/2 tsp

cumin

1/4 tsp

cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp

salt

1/4 tsp

black pepper

1 qt

low sodium vegetable stock ((if not vegetarian, you can substitute chicken stock))

1 cup

water

1 1/4 cups

brown, green or red lentils, (rinsed and sorted)

bay leaf

2 cups

fresh spinach leaves ((or substitute kale, swiss chard, or another favorite green))

1/4 cup

chopped cilantro ((or can substitute parsley-- I prefer the flavor of cilantro here))

whole lemon