Soupe de lentilles

Soupe de lentilles is a hearty and nutritious French lentil soup, ideal for a comforting meal. It’s rich in flavor and packed with protein and fiber. Here’s a classic recipe for making a delicious lentil soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional, for added creaminess)
• 1 can (400g/14oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Rinse and drain the lentils.
   • Peel and chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potato (if using).

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

   • Add the chopped carrots, celery, and potato (if using) to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add Lentils and Spices:

   • Stir in the rinsed lentils, ground cumin, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for a minute or two to toast the spices slightly.

5. Add Tomatoes and Broth:

   • Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally and check the consistency, adding more broth or water if needed.

6. Season and Finish:

   • Remove the bay leaf.
   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
   • Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips:

• For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender and then mix it back in.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your soupe de lentilles! It’s a comforting, nutritious dish that's perfect for any time of the year.