Lentil, winter, warming soup

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 2 minutes. Add celery and carrot. Cook for 7 - 10 minutes or until softened. Don't rush this step, it is key to the flavor base of the soup. Add all remaining ingredients except the lemon and salt. Stir.
2. Increase heat and bring to simmer. Place lid on and turn heat down to medium low. Simmer for 35 - 40 minutes or until lentils are soft.
3. Thicken Transfer 2 cups to a blender, let it cool slightly, then blend and transfer back into pot.
4. Add a touch of water if you want to adjust soup consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Grate over the zest of the lemon then add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Garnish with parsley and serve with warm crusty bread!

• Servings : 8
• Ready in : 55 Minutes
• Course : Main courses
• Recipe Type : beans and brews, beef, recipes for winter, Soups
• Ingredient : Bay leaf, Carrots, Celery stalk leaves, Celery sticks, Coriander, Cumin, Dried hot chilis, Garlic, Ground black pepper, Lemon, Lemon juice, Lemon zest, Lentils, Olive oil, Onion, Parsley, Pepper, Red pepper, Salt, Tomatoes, Vegetable broth, Vegetable stock