Homeschooler's Hearty Lentil Soup

A nourishing, slow-simmered soup perfect for family meals, inspired by rising homeschooling trends and census family data.

Cuisine: American

Category: Soups

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 35 minutes.

Serves 6.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water until water runs clear. Dice 2 medium carrots, 2 stalks celery, and 1 large onion into 1/4-inch pieces.
2. Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, carrots, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and onions are translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 4 cups beef broth, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
5. Step 5: Remove bay leaf before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.