Lentil Soup with Lemon

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. avocado oil
2 Cups chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. kosher salt or to taste
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. chili powder, plus more for garnish
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup dried red lentils
3/4 cup diced carrot
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup sour cream
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
lemon wedges and or crostini

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot on medium high heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook, stirring until fragrant, about 2 minutes more.
2. Stir in broth, lentils and carrot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until lentils are soft, about 15 minutes.
3. Stir in lemon juice. Top with sour cream and cilantro. If desired, serve with lemon wedges and/or crostini.