Linssikeitto (Finnish Lentil Soup)

Ingredients

Red lentils

1 cup, rinsed

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Onion

1, chopped

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Carrots

2, diced

Potatoes

2, diced

Vegetable broth

4 cups

Bay leaves

2

Dried thyme

1 teaspoon

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Fresh parsley

for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the red lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard them.
8. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
9. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
11. For an added touch, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil just before serving.