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French Lentil Soup

French Lentil Soup Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (200g) French green lentils (lentilles du Puy), rinsed and picked over
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 to 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, about 7 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
  2. Stir in lentils and toast for 1 minute, stirring often.
  3. Add water, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover with lid slightly ajar and cook 25 to 30 minutes, until lentils are tender but hold their shape.
  4. Remove bay leaf and thyme stems. Stir in vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and top with parsley.

Notes

The soup thickens as it sits in the fridge; add a splash of water or broth when reheating. For a richer taste, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.