~ Winter's Perfect Soup ~

The boys and I enjoyed this fantastic French Lentil Soup over the weekend.

It is the most perfect soup for several reasons: 

a). It's inexpensive 

b). It's quick 

c). A double batch makes a ton 

d). When you make a ton, it freezes like a dream and simply reheats with the beep beep beep of the microwave  

e). It's healthy and very filling

f). It's simply delicious- as in I've had it for three days in a row and I'm still ready for more!

Okay- that was more than several, but I think you get the idea- it's good.

French Lentil Soup

(from my aunt- not sure where she found it)

Here's what you need:

3 tbsp Olive Oil

2 Cups onion, diced

1 Cup celery, diced

1 Cup Carrots, diced

2-4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed

4 Cups vegetable broth (highly recommend using Better Than Bouillon)

1 1/4 french green lentils, picked through and rinsed (make sure there the french for the right consistency)

15 oz can diced tomatoes

Spices are optional and to taste:

(I like to use them all because I like flavor!)

1 tsp. cumin

1/2 - 1 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp curry powder

1/4 - 1/2 tsp chili powder 

1/4 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

Here's what you do:

You heat oil in a heavy sauce pan (single recipe fits a 3 quart pan) 

Over med. heat saute' onions, celery, carrots and garlic until they begin to brown- about 15 min.

Note: I like to buy Trader Joe's 'Mirepoix' - all the onion, celery and carrot diced and ready to go! 

Then you add the broth, lentils, tomatoes with the juice and the spices.

Stir and bring to a boil.

Cover the pan and reduce heat to a med-low simmer until the lentils are tender- about 35 min.

Once the lentils are tender, transfer two cups of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.

Then return the puree to the soup in the pan.

This step gives it a nice, thicker texture.

But it you like it 'soupier' just thin with a little more broth after the puree.

And that's it!

Note: If you want to double this recipe, be sure to puree twice as much soup as well!

We enjoyed our soup with slices of homemade bread and butter.

Just perfect for a winter's evening!

Cheers!