Lentil Soup
This hearty lentil soup is warm, filling, and made with simple pantry staples. It's a budget-friendly meal that’s easy to prep, delicious to eat, and perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup dry green or brown lentils rinsed
- 6 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt add to taste at the end
- 1 bay leaf optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, until vegetables are softened.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and black pepper.
- Stir and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add rinsed lentils, water or broth, and bay leaf if using.
- Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Stir in salt and adjust to taste.
- For a thicker soup, mash a portion with a spoon or use an immersion blender briefly.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like parsley, cheese, or crusty bread.