Lentil Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 lb lentils (approximately 1 1/4 cups)
• 11 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 4 -6 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2/3 cup dried elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Recipe

• 1 heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat.
• 2 add the onion, carrots, and celery. add the garlic, salt, and pepper and saute until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
• 3 add the tomatoes with their juices. simmer until the juices evaporate a little and the tomatoes break down, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
• 4 add the lentils and mix to coat. add the broth and stir.
• 5 add the thyme sprigs. bring to a boil over high heat. cover and simmer over low heat until the lentils are almost tender, about 30 minutes.
• 6 stir in the pasta. simmer until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• 7 ladle the soup into bowls. sprinkle with the parmesan, drizzle with olive oil, and serve.