Lentil Soup

My kids love Lentil soup, so I am always experimenting with different ways of serving it. Here I will post my basic Lentil soup recipe that is always a hit at our house! (Yes, my children are weird. I wonder where they get it from???)



2 c dry lentils
About 8-10 cups water
1 bay leaf
1/2 onion (whole or chopped)
1-2 cloves garlic (whole or pressed)
2 Tbsp chicken bouillon
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme
4 fresh basil leaves
1/2 c celery (leaves included!!) chopped
3 large carrots, 'circled' (as my kids say)
2 small tomatoes, finely chopped

Place all together in a large sauce pan. Simmer on med-lo heat for about 45min-1hour. Serve! Eat with crackers or fresh hot wheat bread! And perhaps a salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. You can also shred some real Parmesan on top. It adds a nice touch.

**Sometimes I add a chicken thigh to this and simmer it with the lentils. Depends on whether I feel like a vegetarian night or not. I've also added mushrooms. The kids don't appreciate them as much, but I thought they tasted wonderful! :) (Just don't use canned. Has to be fresh!)