Vegan Minestrone Lentil Soup

According to typical Southern California weather, it has actually been feeling like fall!

And like how my usual days go, I think ALL day of what I want to make for dinner. I oftentimes find myself thinking of all the things I used to make before switching to veganism and how to make it successfully.

So as I was doing my chores around the house I began thinking of things I used to enjoy, and ended up on my patio cleaning up there when it hit me. Fall. Fall hit me, and as mentioned earlier I'm in the Southern California region and it hasn't felt much like fall lately. Sure... we have a chilly day here and there, but it hasn't -felt- like fall until now!

Fall for me is being all cuddled up on the couch with a nice warm blanket and a nice hearty bowl of soup like my mom used to make.

And that soup for me, has always been Minestrone. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe that I have complied for you! And don't forget to let me know if you've made it and how you liked it!

Ingredients:

2 cups small shell noodles

1 whole medium sized red onion, diced

5 cloves of garlic, diced

1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
3 stalks of celery, chopped
3 medium russet potatoes, diced
1 cup green lentils
1 can of organic diced tomatoes
1 can of organic unsalted green beans
1 container of organic vegetable broth + 2 cups water -or- 5 cups water and 1 vegetable bouillon cube
2 tbsp oregano
2 tbsp Italian seasonings
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp olive oil (or oil of your choice or water to sauté vegetables)
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large pot at medium/ high heat add your oil and all of your chopped vegetables, besides potatoes. Continuously stir until fresh veggies are sautéed. 

2. Once the veggies are sautéed, add in your lentils, canned veggies (diced tomatoes and green beans) and your herbs and spices.

3. When all of your ingredients are well incorporated, add your water and bouillon or your vegetable broth and water and simmer. After your soup begins to boil add your noodles and potatoes and boil another 15 minutes. Turn off heat, give it a good stir and serve! 



This can also be adapted as a Crock pot meal, as simple as dumping everything in and within the last hour of cooking add your pasta! So simple, and equally as delicious!