Vegan Lentil Soup

January is national soup month!  I didn't know this holiday existed, but now that I do, we must celebrate ... with a steaming hot bowl of vegan soup.

My favourite middle Eastern restaurant serves a chunky lentil soup and I love it so much I decided to attempt to copy it.  Here's what you'll need:

• 1 can of lentils (drained) I like yellow, but any kind will work
• 1 glove garlic (peeled)
• 2 cups of vegetable stock
• 1 red onion
• Various spices (I like cumin & turmeric)
• 1 avocado (optional)

If you like a chunky soup, reserve 1/3 of the lentils and set aside. Blend all the ingredients (except the onion and the avocado) in a food processor or blender. Chop the onion and saute in a pan until soft. Add the soup and the rest of the lentils to the pan and heat. I like to serve it with a few pieces of avocado in the soup. Add freshly ground pepper to taste.

Happy soup month everyone!