Eastern Mediterranean Lentil Soup

Instructions

1. Add the olive oil to a stockpot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the carrots, celery and onions and saute them for 10 minutes or until they have begun to turn tender and
3. the onions have begun to caramelize.
4. Add the red lentils, the rice and the water to the pot. Stir to combine the ingredients. Cover the pot and allow
5. the ingredients to come to a boil.
6. Turn the burner to to medium-low. Simmer the soup for 25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft. Stir
7. occasionally.
8. Remove the cover and add the lemon pepper, seasoned salt, salt, pepper, and cumin. Continue simmering for
9. 20 minutes.
10. Add the lemon juice and stir it in.
11. Melt the butter in a separate saucepan, if you are using it. Add the mint to the butter and stir.
12. Serve the lentil soup in bowls. Add the minted butter to each bowl, if you are using it. Add parsley to garnish.