Lentil soup
Description
A hearty first course. A very tasty and easy-to-prepare lentil soup recipe. Suitable both for vegetarians and meat-eaters who want to diversify their meals. Don't be alarmed by the cooking time—this soup takes about three hours to prepare, but requires no special attention. Serve with fresh herbs and sour cream.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
1. Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion and celery, slice the carrots into rounds. Mince the garlic using a garlic press or finely chop it.
- 2
Step 2
2. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- 3
Step 3
3. Add celery, carrots, garlic, and potatoes. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, then transfer the ingredients to a soup pot.
- 4
Step 4
4. Add lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf, and mix well. Cover with a lid and cook over high heat for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for another 2–3 hours, until the vegetables and lentils are soft and tender.
- 5
Step 5
5. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Puree the soup in a food processor or blender.
- 6
Step 6
6. Transfer the soup back to the pot, add cumin and cayenne pepper, season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the soup over high heat for another 47 minutes, taste and add more salt or pepper if desired. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with parsley.