Lentil Veggie Superfood Stew

Name: Lentil Veggie Superfood Stew
Ingredients: • 2 tablespoons olive oil; • 2 cups small diced red onion; • 2 cups small diced carrot; • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated; • 2 cups small diced bell pepper (red, orange, yellow); • 2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms (may swap in cremini or button mushrooms); • 1 cup small diced celery (~2 stalks); • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or 1 cup tomato puree); • 1 pound green lentils; • 2 bay leaves; • 1 teaspoon dried thyme; • 1 quart low sodium vegetable broth; • 6 to 8 ounces baby spinach, washed and patted dry; • Ground black pepper to taste