French Lentil Soup (Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Green lentils
• 2 medium Carrots
• 2 stalks Celery
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 6 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Measure 1 cup of green lentils and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear.
2. 2Prepare your vegetables: peel and dice 2 medium carrots into 1/2-inch cubes, trim and dice 2 stalks of celery into 1/2-inch pieces, and peel and dice 1 medium onion into 1/2-inch pieces.
3. 3Peel and mince 3 cloves of garlic.
4. 4Place a large heavy-bottomed pot on the stove and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, about 350°F (175°C).
5. 5Add the diced 2 medium carrots, 2 stalks of celery, and 1 medium onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion looks translucent.
6. 6Add the minced 3 cloves of garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
7. 7Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the vegetables.
8. 8Add the rinsed 1 cup of green lentils and 6 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
9. 9Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. 10Carefully remove and discard the 1 bay leaf from the pot. Stir in 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
11. 11Serve the French lentil soup hot.

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