Soul Satisfying Soup

The Hub Today’s Anna Rossi whips up a warm and hearty lentil soup perfect for any family meal. Lentil Soup  By: New York Times Ingredients: •3 tablespoons olive oil, more for drizzling •1 large onion, chopped •2 garlic cloves, minced •1 tablespoon tomato paste •1 teaspoon ground cumin •¼ teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste •¼ teaspoon ground black pepper • Pinch of ground chile powder or cayenne, more to taste •1 quart chicken or vegetable broth or both •2 cups water •1 cup red lentils •1 large carrot, peeled and diced • Juice of 1/2 lemon, more to taste •3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro •1 Bag of Croutons               Directions: In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons oil over high heat until hot and shimmering. Add onion and garlic, and saute until golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, salt, black pepper and chili powder or cayenne, and saute for 2 minutes longer. Add broth, 2 cups water, lentils and carrot. Bring to a simmer, then partially cover pot and turn heat to medium-low. Simmer until lentils are soft, about 30 minutes. Taste and add salt if necessary. Using an immersion or regular blender or a food processor, purée half the soup then add it back to pot. Soup should be somewhat chunky. Reheat soup if necessary, then stir in lemon juice and cilantro. Serve soup drizzled with good olive oil and dusted lightly with chili powder if desired Top off with croutons