French Lentil Soup: A Hearty and Delicious Dish
Ingredients:
– 1 cup French lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the rinsed lentils, bay leaf, dried thyme, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches until smooth. Be cautious as the soup will be hot.
5. Once blended, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt and pepper if desired.
6. Serve the French Lentil Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.
Cooking Time and Serving Size:
– Cooking time: Approximately 45 minutes
– Makes 4-6 servings
French Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for chilly evenings. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So, grab a bowl and enjoy this delicious French-inspired soup!