French Lentil Soup (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Green or Brown Lentils
• 6 cups Vegetable Broth
• 1 medium Carrot
• 2 stalks Celery
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 leaf Bay Leaf
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice

Instructions

1. 1Measure 1 cup of green or brown lentils and rinse them under cool running water until the water runs clear.
2. 2Prepare your vegetables: cut the 1 medium carrot into 1/2-inch cubes, cut the 2 stalks of celery into 1/2-inch pieces, and cut the 1 medium onion into 1/2-inch pieces. Finely mince the 3 cloves of garlic.
3. 3Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, between 300°F and 325°F (150°C and 160°C). Add the cut 1 medium carrot, 2 stalks of celery, and 1 medium onion. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
4. 4Add the minced 3 cloves of garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute more, until you can smell its fragrance.
5. 5Add the rinsed 1 cup of green or brown lentils, 6 cups of vegetable broth, 1 leaf of bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together.
6. 6Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender when bitten.
7. 7Carefully remove and discard the 1 leaf of bay leaf from the pot. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
8. 8Serve the French lentil soup hot.

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