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#### Instructions:
**Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables**
1. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
2. Add the diced carrots, celery, and potato (if using), and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
**Step 2: Add Spices**
1. Stir in the cumin, turmeric, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and well distributed with the vegetables.
**Step 3: Add Lentils, Split Peas, and Broth**
1. Add the rinsed lentils and split peas to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Stir everything together, making sure the lentils and split peas are evenly mixed with the vegetables and broth.
2. Add the bay leaf to the pot for extra flavor.
**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**
1. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The lentils and split peas should soften and break apart, thickening the soup. Add more water or broth as needed if the soup becomes too thick.
**Step 5: Final Adjustments**
1. Once the lentils and split peas are fully cooked and the soup has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if necessary, and stir in the lemon juice for a pop of brightness. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.
**Step 6: Serve and Garnish**
1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
2. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread, crackers, or a simple green salad.
### Variations and Tips for Customizing the Soup:
– **Add Greens**: To boost the nutritional value of this soup, consider adding leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard in the last 10 minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt and add more vitamins and minerals to the dish.
– **Spicy Kick**: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick.
– **Add Meat**: For a non-vegetarian version, you can add cooked sausage, bacon, or diced chicken to the soup. Simply cook the meat separately and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of simmering.
– **Creamy Version**: For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
– **Make It a Curry**: Add a teaspoon of curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist on the traditional recipe. You could also stir in some coconut milk for extra creaminess and depth of flavor.
### How to Store and Reheat Lentil & Split Pea Soup:
**Storage**: This soup stores wonderfully! Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, and it will be even tastier the next day.
**Freezing**: Lentil & Split Pea Soup also freezes well. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if necessary.
### Conclusion:
**Lentil & Split Pea Soup** is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a healthy, hearty, and comforting meal. With its rich flavors, satisfying texture, and endless possibilities for customization, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you enjoy it as a simple meal or as part of a larger spread, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will warm you up from the inside out.
Make it your own by experimenting with different vegetables, spices, and proteins. And whether you make it fresh or as part of your meal prep for the week, this lentil and split pea soup will be a nourishing dish you can rely on time and time again. Enjoy!
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