How to Make French Lentil and Vegetable Soup

French lentil and vegetable soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that embraces the rich flavors of the French countryside. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup is ideal for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week. Here's a simple recipe to make your own delicious French lentil and vegetable soup at home.

Ingredients

To make French lentil and vegetable soup, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup of French green lentils
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium potato, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by rinsing the French lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. This will help remove any dust or debris. Dice the onion, carrots, celery, potato, and zucchini while measuring out the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and the onion is translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Lentils and Broth

Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking on the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Vegetables

After the lentils are tender, add the diced potato and zucchini into the soup. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf. Ladle the French lentil and vegetable soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.

Tips for the Perfect Soup

Here are a few tips to elevate your French lentil and vegetable soup:

For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing smoked paprika or a splash of white wine with the vegetables.
Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables or add greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup before serving, or mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.

This French lentil and vegetable soup is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. It's an ideal choice for those looking for vegan and gluten-free meal options. Enjoy this comforting dish, and savor the flavors of France in your own kitchen!