Lentil-Vegetable Soup
1 cup dry brown lentils
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon oil
Water
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion
3 stalks celery, sliced
4 medium red potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 small bag baby carrots
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon each thyme and marjoram
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 teaspoon salt; black pepper to taste
Place lentils, bay leaf and oil in a medium saucepan, with water to cover by 2 inches. Cook until tender but still holding their shape (about 35 minutes). Add more water if the level ever drops below the level of the lentils.
Warm oil in a soup pot. Add garlic, onion and celery. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook until onions are tender. Add potatoes, carrots, and herbs. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes, to bring out the aroma of the herbs. Add tomatoes with juice. Refill can with water and add to soup. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add lentils, with their cooking liquid and the bay leaf. Add pepper and salt. Cover and simmer until all vegetables are cooked, about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
SO HOW'D IT GO?
Can't go wrong with lentils. I can't wait to make this!
I must say, as a new cook, this recipe is perfect! It was my second attempt for lentil soup and my favorite, also a snap. It definately helped with the quest to convert my boyfriend to all veggies! ;D