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French Lentil Soup

A delicious homemade french lentil soup recipe.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 270
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups French green lentils (du Puy), rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Sauté. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  2. Simmer. Add the lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
  3. Season. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve. Ladle into bowls and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh thyme or parsley. Serve with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

French green lentils (du Puy) are key here. They hold their shape much better than brown or red lentils. Don't skip the Dijon and vinegar at the end. They transform the soup from good to incredible. Add the vinegar off the heat for the brightest flavor.