Hearty Lentil Soup

There is just something warm and comforting about a homemade bowl of a vegetarian soup on a cold winter’s evening. This lentil soup should fill the bill, and by the way, lentils are very inexpensive, thus making a very economical meal.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 carrot (sliced)
• 4 cups vegetarian soup broth (homemade or purchased)
• 1 cup dry lentils
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon Celtic sea salt or Himalayan salt (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Directions

In a large pot, sauté the onions and carrots in the oil until onions turn clear. Add vegetable stock, lentils, and seasonings. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lentils are soft (about one hour). Remove bay leaves and stir in lemon juice. Serve with a nice garden salad and some hearty whole grain bread.