Red Lentil Soup (Greek-Style)

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 medium carrot
• 2 large tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the red lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear.
2. 2In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. 3To the pot, add the diced tomato, cumin, oregano, and rosemary. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to release the flavors.
4. 4Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.
5. 5Once the lentils are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend only half of the soup.
6. 6Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
7. 7Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, if desired.
8. 8Optionally, for a richer flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to each bowl before serving.
9. 9Enjoy your nourishing and flavorful red lentil soup, a testament to the simplicity and richness of Mediterranean cuisine.