Herbed Lentil Soup

This soup is so hearty and satisfying. I feel nourished every time I have it, and love how the lentils add substance for a filling dish. This soup gets better as it sits, so it makes great leftovers. I also like to keep some in my freezer for those busy nights when I don't have time to cook. My picky son and nephew both love this soup which gives me confidence that others will love it, too. Serve this with a salad and warm bread for a delicious meal.

Herbed Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups diced onion (1 large yellow onion)
3 gloves of garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks of celery diced
1 tbsp chopped celery leaves
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp vegetable bouillon (I like Better than Bouillon brand)
6 cups water
1 cup diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup lentils
1 tsp sea salt
1 cup finely diced greens of your choice (collards or spinach work well)

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a soup pot and add the onion and garlic. Let the onion and garlic cook until the onion is translucent, around 5-7 minutes. Add the diced carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes, while stirring frequently. Then add all of the spices and stir to combine. Let this heat for 1 minute more to let the seasonings bloom. Next, add the bouillon, water, diced tomatoes, and lentils. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes (check the soup occasionally and add more water if needed). Finally, add the salt and the greens. Stir to combine and let it cook for 5-10 more minutes so the greens can wilt.

For 8 servings. Nutritional information from caloriecount.about.com.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 315 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories  129 Calories from Fat  19

% Daily Value*

Total Fat  2.2g 3%

Trans Fat  0.0g

Cholesterol  0mg 0%

Sodium  259mg 11%

Potassium  399mg 11%

Total Carbohydrates  20.5g 7%

Dietary Fiber  9.0g 36%

Sugars  3.1g

Protein  7.1g

Vitamin A 60% • Vitamin C 17% Calcium 5% • Iron 12%

Nutrition Grade A

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet