FRENCH VEGAN LENTIL SOUP

Recipe for French Lentil Soup that you can make under 45 minutes with tips, tricks, variations, and freezing instructions all in one blog post. If you are looking for a heart-healthy way to feed your family, this vegan French Lentil Soup will do the job perfectly. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups French lentils (Lentils Du Puy), rinsed and picked over
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups vegetable broth/stock, preferably homemade
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped – plus more as garnish

FRENCH VEGAN LENTIL SOUP

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy bottom pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook until they are softened, 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, bay leaf, and thyme. Cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
5. Add French lentils, salt and pepper. Give it a big stir to make sure that everything is mixed evenly.
6. Pour in the vegetable stock, turn the heat up to medium-high, put the lid on and bring it to a boil. Once boiled, turn down the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes.
7. Right before serving, take out the bay leaf and stir in the balsamic vinegar and chopped parsley.
8. Pour the soup in individual bowls and garnish it with more parsley.