E-Z V-8 Soup

This is an amalgamation of about 8 different versions of the Cabbage Soup Diet soup. I know I have several cabbage soup recipes already (like this one and this one and even this one), but this is different enough that it deserves its own post.

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced*
• 4 medium carrots or parsnips, chopped or sliced*
• 2 stalks celery, diced*
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 large bottle or can tomato-based vegetable juice (V-8)
• Small jar roasted red peppers
• 1 cup dried red lentils
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauté first 4 vegetables in oil until softened and add cabbage; allow to wilt to about half volume. Add rest of ingredients and simmer until vegetables and lentils are done. Serve with a splash of apple cider vinegar and/or fresh…