SOAK LENTILS OVER NIGHT
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into fine dice
5 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced (I personally don't eat these :)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried tarragon
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika (Hungarian if you've got it)
6 cups water or preferably vegetable broth
2 cups lentils (I used organic red and green)
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Several pinches of freshly ground black pepper
PREHEAT a large soup pot over medium heat. Saute the onion and carrots for about 10 minutes, until the onions have browned a bit. Add the garlic, tarragon, thyme, and paprika, and saute for 2 more minutes. Add the tomatoes, I am going to use yams, and a splash of water if necessary, and stir to de-glaze the pot. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the water, lentils, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, then cover and bring to a boil. Once the soup is boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cook covered, for about 45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. If the soup looks too thin, uncover and simmer for a couple more minutes. It it looks too thick, add a little more water.
Please enjoy your meal. Take your time and relax when you eat your food!
I have been guilty of eating standing up in the kitchen for my breakfast and sometimes for dinner! Not good! My friend Prakash, owner of Annapurna's, reminded me how important it is to relax when we eat for proper digestion to occur!
Best of all share with someone you love!
