Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 bag (1 lb.) dried lentils, rinsed and drained
• 5 cans (14.5 oz. each) vegetable broth
• 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper  
•  

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes. Add carrots and celery for additional 3 minutes.
2. Add onion mixture, lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, salt, cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper and black pepper to slow cooker crock.
3. Cover slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or LOW for 7 to 8 hours.

Serves: 9-10