Hearty Tomato Lentil Soup

This hearty tomato lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that will warm you up on a chilly day. Made with nutritious lentils, tangy tomatoes, and flavorful herbs and spices, this soup is a perfect balance of health and taste. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a flavorful starter. Prepare yourself for a comforting bowl of soup that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Rinse the lentils under running water and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
7. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree half of the soup until smooth. This will help thicken the soup while still leaving some texture.
8. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir well. If desired, add some hot water to adjust the soup's consistency.
9. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
10. Serve the lentil tomato soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
11. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts