Hearty Cabbage and Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Carrots (2 medium, diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Cabbage (1/2 head, coarsely chopped)
• Lentils (1 cup, rinsed)
• Vegetable broth (6 cups)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, stirring until the onion becomes translucent, around 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the carrots, celery, and cabbage, followed by the rinsed lentils. Mix until the vegetables are evenly coated in the oil.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy this rustic, heartwarming soup as a meal on its own, or pair it with crusty bread for added satisfaction.