Hearty Lentil Soup: A Winter Vegetarian Recipe

Hearty Lentil Soup with Seasonal Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 parsnip, diced (optional, adds sweetness)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables:

   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add onion and garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent.
   • Add carrots, celery, and parsnip, cooking for a few more minutes.

2. Cook the Lentils:

   • Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

3. Season and Serve:

   • Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper.
   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

This Hearty Lentil Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that's also quite versatile. Feel free to add or substitute with other seasonal vegetables you have on hand. It's a wonderful way to warm up on a cold winter evening! 🍲🌿