Lentil Potato Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - Dried green or brown lentils, sorted and rinsed
02 - Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
03 - Fresh carrots, chopped
04 - Celery stalks, chopped
05 - Fresh onions, diced
06 - Fresh garlic cloves, minced

→ Seasonings & Liquids

07 - High-quality vegetable broth
08 - Dried thyme
09 - Dried oregano
10 - Olive oil
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Optional Additions

12 - Fresh herbs for garnish
13 - Leafy greens (spinach or kale)

# Instructions:

01 - Sort through lentils to remove debris and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Dice potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch pieces and chop all vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
02 - Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and warm olive oil. Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
03 - Season with salt and pepper, then stir in dried thyme and oregano. Let the herbs bloom in the oil for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
04 - Add the rinsed lentils and diced potatoes, stirring to coat with oil and herbs. Pour in warm vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer and cover partially with lid.
05 - Simmer for 25-30 minutes, checking lentils and potatoes for tenderness. Adjust seasoning to taste and add more broth if needed for desired consistency. Stir in fresh herbs if using.

# Notes:

01 - Don't add salt until lentils are tender to prevent them from becoming tough
02 - The soup will naturally thicken as it cools
03 - Avoid excessive stirring to maintain potato texture
04 - Flavors improve after resting for a day in the refrigerator