Cumin Spiked Lentil Soup

It's time to confess I have a major problem. I am totally and utterly addicted to lentil soup. I'd never had it until this summer and it was love at first bite. Ever since then, I've been a lentil soup monster. Scouring farmers markets, Whole Foods, and even CVS to get my hands on some. I finally decided I should stop spending so much money on it and just make my own and oh my goodness it was so good!! 

The key to this spicy soup is the cumin which gives it a warming tone and its flavor depth. This recipe does take a bit longer than most of my recipes but it's really just simmering for an hour so you can always do other things while you wait. The smell of the soup simmering alone is worth making it as it fills your home with the most fragrant spicy air. It's a completely comforting smell (and taste) that goes great paired with a good book and a fireplace. 

Lentils are amazingly good for you too. They're a great source of protein, which is essential especially if you're vegetarian or vegan. They also provide folate (Vitamin B-9) which helps maintain a healthy heart and can ward off depression. It contains Selenium which is a mineral difficult to find in other foods that helps tame inflammation and detoxify the liver and is insanely cost efficient too. I'm not going to get into the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar and Coconut Oil since I've done that in plenty of other posts! But, Cumin, the star spice in this dish is worth getting into. Cumin promotes digestion, encourages the body to better handle stress, helps memory, and is a rich source of iron which many of us are lacking. Finally, garlic is antibacterial and thyme is excellent for respiratory health. I'm telling you though, this dish is so decadent you won't even notice you're also eating something super healthy for you. 

You can, of course, add in whatever other spices you want. This also would probably be delicious with some added onions, I didn't have any! I'd recommend doubling the recipe during the winter and freezing half the batch so you have a warm and nutritious meal after a busy day whenever you need. Let me know how you like it and if you try any variations on the recipe!