Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cups green lentils, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, thyme, oregano, and vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the tomato paste, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Remove the bay leaf and serve.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4-6
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 10g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or coconut oil.
- Onion can be substituted with leeks or shallots.
- Garlic can be substituted with garlic powder.
- Carrots can be substituted with parsnips or turnips.
- Celery can be substituted with fennel.
- Green lentils can be substituted with brown or red lentils.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth or beef broth.
Variations:
- Add diced potatoes for a heartier soup.
- Add diced bell peppers for a pop of color.
- Add diced zucchini for additional texture.
- Add diced tomatoes for a more robust flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the lentils before adding them to the pot.
- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until desired consistency is reached.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
- Sour cream
- Fresh herbs
- Croutons
- Shredded cheese
Pairings:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Salad
- Crusty bread
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for an additional 10 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the soup to at least 165°F before serving.
Food History:
This soup is a traditional dish from the Poitou-Charentes region of France. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day.
Flavor Profiles:
This soup has a savory flavor with hints of thyme and oregano. The tomato paste adds a slight sweetness to the soup.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread and a salad for a complete meal.
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Region: French