Lentil Soup with Fresh Herbs

Lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and can be customized to your taste. This hearty soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to make a classic lentil soup using fresh herbs for added flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse and sort the lentils to remove any small stones or debris.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and basil. Cook for another minute, until the herbs are fragrant.
5. Pour in the broth and add the lentils to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional spices or herbs if desired.
8. If the soup is too thick, add additional broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
9. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious bowl of lentil soup! This dish is a great choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or you can prepare it in advance and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. You can also freeze the soup for future meals. Simply let it cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, lentil soup is a simple and healthy dish that's easy to prepare. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits of this classic soup!

Happy cooking!