• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional, see below)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound brown or green lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2-3 cups water
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid (may use about 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes)
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (or 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley)
•  teaspoon dried mustard
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Garnish (optional):

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 1 medium avocado, thinly sliced