Italian Lentil Soup

I have intended to make this soup for over a week, now. Various life things (including lack of motivation) have hindered my progress.

I am committing to making it today, before my ingredients rot! I will add pics after I make it.

I got this recipe from my Mom, who got it from a family friend.


Italian Lentil Soup
Serves 5-10

•  Olive oil to coat bottom of pan (can be minimal or up to ½ cup)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2-3 stalks celery, diced
• ½ to 1 green pepper, diced
• 1-3 carrots, diced (be sure they’re not strong or bitter)

Sauté til onions are soft, stirring occasionally.  
Add: 

• 2 15-oz. cans tomatoes 
• 5 cans water
• 2 cups raw lentils (washed)
• 1 tsp. salt
• Pepper to taste

Cook approximately 1 ½  hours.  Add:

• 1 ½ tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. basil
• ½ tsp. thyme
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

Cook 15 minutes; then blend about 1/3 of the soup.
Add :

• Chopped parsley (I use about ¼ cup)

Reheat.


Top each bowl with freshly grated parmesan cheese.