French Lentil Soup

photo by photobunny

I make homemade soup for my husband every week.  He takes a mason jar off to work each day, filled with a healthful portion of vegetable goodness.  He would be happy eating the same soup, every day, every week– but that is WAY too boring for me.  I love finding new easy, healthy soup recipes, and this one from Zakka Life caught my eye as just that!  I made it, and it is a keeper, one I will make often!

Lentils are a super food.  They are inexpensive and high in protein, iron, calcium, and fiber.
The fiber in lentils helps lower cholesterol levels.  They are also beneficial in managing blood sugar because it is a low glycemic food.  The great mix of fiber and protein will fill you up and keep you full, even an hour later.

 

French Lentil Soup
3 Tbs olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery (I used 1/2 cup)
1 cup chopped carrots
3 garlic cloves, minced
4-5 cups chicken stock (homemade makes a world of difference!) or vegetable stock
11/4 cups dried lentils, rinsed and drained
14 oz can diced tomatoes plus juice
3 Tbs balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
(I also added a bit of thyme and rosemary, about 1/2 tsp thyme, and 1/4 tsp rosemary)

1. In a large pot, saute onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Add lentils, chicken stock, and diced tomatoes.  Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 35 minutes.
3. When lentils are tender, add balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.  Enjoy!

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