lentil soup

1 T butter
2 T oil
1 onion
4-8 cloves garlic
1.5 cups lentils (dry, any color, rinsed & sorted)
6 cups water (approximate) or chicken/vegetable broth
1 T salt
3-4 stalks celery
2 small potatoes
2 carrots
Optional: squash, tomatoes, 
Spices (to taste): curry powder, coriander, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper (about 1 tsp each)
1/8 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper


Melt butter/oil in your pot (or slow cooker), add onions & garlic. Saute until translucent. Add lentils and 3 cups of water. Simmer for about 20 minutes until soft. Add the rest of your ingredients, chopped fine. Simmer until veggies are tender. Puree most of the soup in a blender, but save some to add back for chunky texture. Yum!!  Add the juice of 1 lime for some extra flavor.  Top with avocado too!  
*Lentils are high in protein, iron, fiber and even manganese. Who knew? The fiber in lentils can also lower your cholesterol!