Ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients, which typically include green or brown lentils, olive oil, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, canned diced tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Preparation of Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water and remove any debris or stones. This step ensures that the lentils are clean and ready to be cooked.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant. This forms the flavorful base of the soup.
Add Lentils and Liquid: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir to combine with the aromatics. Pour in canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable or chicken broth. Add bay leaves and dried thyme for additional flavor.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, cover with a lid, and let it cook until the lentils are tender. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes, but cooking time may vary depending on the type of lentils used.
Season to Taste: Once the lentils are tender, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the desired flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the delicious lentil soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
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