Hearty Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 3 cloves garlic
• 6 cup vegetable broth
• 14½ oz diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse lentils thoroughly under cold water; set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and cumin; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
5. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.