Vegetarian French Lentil Soup
A homey, hearty, easy French lentil soup that's loaded with wholesome flavor and so nourishing. The best vegetarian lentil soup you'll make -- or vegan if you leave out the butter.
Servings: 3 quarts
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced
- 1 pound celery, peeled and chopped (leafy, pale center stalks removed)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 generous sprig of thyme
- 1 or 2 fresh parsley stems, with leaves
- 1 pound French lentils, or regular brown lentils
- 2 1/2 quarts cold water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- 12 turns freshly-ground black pepper
- Pecorino-Romano cheese and freshly-chopped parsley, optional, to finish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have slightly softened. Add the tomato paste and garlic and stir constantly (so the tomato paste does not burn) for 2 minutes more. The tomato paste should coat the vegetables. TIP: I always buy a tube of tomato paste, not a can. The tube lasts longer, is less messy, and is better for small quantities.
- Add the lentils, water, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Stir. Bring to a boil, then lower to a generous simmer. Partly cover the soup with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes. TIP: If, for some reason, the soup looks too thick, add a little more water and stir it to the right consistency.
- Add the salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, and butter (if using). Taste for seasoning.
- Fish out the bay leaves and thyme and parsley stems. Ladle into bowls and serve with grated pecorino-Romano cheese, minced parsley, and some good crusty bread.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is provided for courtesy purposes only, and is an estimate not verified by medical or nutrition experts. Read the full nutrition disclaimer.
