A Perfect Recipe For A Cold Night

Brrr it is extremely cold outside, y'all! I'm sure the majority of us have been stuck in our homes playing games, watching the television, and munching on everything in sight. Eating becomes an important part of the day when you are stuck inside. For blistering cold nights like tonight, a delicious, hot, lentil soup will warm your soul.

Obviously you can't go buy the ingredients to make lentil soup this very minute, due to the weather, but you can be fully prepared for another cold winter's night. I'm sure most of you already have a belly-warming gumbo, chili, or vegetable soup cooking away on the stove. But remember- you will love this awesome lentil soup recipe for next time.

Bonus:  lentils are so good for you! They are packed with fiber, iron, and prevent several diseases. This recipe in general is healthy and full of flavor.

You will need:

3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup lentils
1 can diced tomatoes
2 quarts organic chicken or vegetable stock
4 to 6 fresh Thyme sprigs
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

First, add 2 Tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Then, add the chopped carrots, celery and onion and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and diced tomatoes and cook together for an additional 3 minutes. Sprinkle the veggies with a small amount of salt and pepper to help them sweat.

Add the cup lentils and stir together. Then, add the 2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock and thyme sprigs, and bring everything to an even boil over high heat. Once the soup has reached a boil, turn the heat on low and simmer with a lid on for 45-60 minutes. Remember, slow and low is key. Stir occasionally to keep the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Once the soup has finished cooking, dispose the thyme stem (sprigs will have fallen off) and sprinkle the soup with fresh parmesan cheese (optional). Bon Appetit!