What I love about this soup is that it can be dressed up and served as a main course and is an easy weekday meal. You can soak your beans or used canned if you'd like. Lentils are high in fiber and protein so this is a wonderful choice if you are wanting a meatless meal.
Rinse and soak lentils overnight if possible or simply use canned. Soaking lentils reduces cooking time and makes them easier to digest.
In your dutch oven or heavy soup pot, heat coconut or olive oil over medium heat and add onion and salt. Simmer for a couple minutes.
Add garlic and pepper and continue to cook until onions are translucent, about 4 or 5 minutes. Add water during the cooking process if needed.
Add celery, carrots, cilantro, bay leaf, and seasonings to pot and cook for about 4 minutes.
Add lentils and broth to your soup pot. Give everything a good stir and simmer for approximately 40 minutes. Your lentils will start to break up if they are overcooked.
Salt and pepper to taste and serve!