Lentil soup

A bowl of Greek lentil soup – fakes and a piece of crusty bread could be the most unpretentious and delicious meal one can have. This fakes recipe is easy to make with few ingredients and is a hearty and comforting meal for the whole family.

INGREDIENTS

1 16 oz green Lentils
1 red onion diced
3 garlic cloves smashed
2 carrots cut in ¼ inch pieces
2 stalks celery cut in ¼ inch pieces
32 oz vegetable stock
28 oz tomatoes smashed with a spoon or your hands
1 /4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 bay leaves
freshly ground pepper
salt
For serving
chili pepper flakes optional
red wine vinegar optional
extra virgin olive oil optional
fresh herbs leaves, thyme oregano or sage optional
INSTRUCTIONS

Rinse the lentils and drain well.
In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and the garlic. Sauté for 1-2 min.
Add the carrots and celery and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
Stir and add the lentils, smashed tomatoes (you can also smash the tomatoes with your spoon after you add them in) and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil for 1-2 min.
Lower the heat to the minimum. Cover the pot and simmer for 60-90 minutes. Cooking time depends on the kind of lentils you are using. I am using green lentils that require longer cooking. Check lentils often until they have the desired texture. Adjust liquids too, you might need to add a little water or stock to achieve your desired soup consistency).
Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Serve lentils in bowls with a slight sprinkle of red hot chili pepper flakes, a 1 tbsp olive, a tbs of red wine vinegar (optional) and warm crusty bread on the side.

source: allrecipes.com