Slow Cooker Lentil and Red Pepper Soup

Slow Cooker Lentil and Red Pepper Soup
margots-mom

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4-6 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 large or 2 med red bell peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
5 cups water
2 tsp salt, or to taste
1-2 Tablespoons sherry or red or white wine vinegar to finish the soup

Cook the onion in 1 Tablespoon oil over medium heat in a skillet until the onion begins to soften. Stir in paprika and allow it to cook for about a minute more.
Add the chopped pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything begins to soften. Scrape all this into a slow cooker. Add the lentils and water and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low until the lentils are completely soft, 7-9 hours.

Season the soup with S & P and last Tablespoon olive oil. Stir in 1 Tablespoon of vinegar, more if needed. Serve hot.