Some days, when you think there is nothing in the fridge to make for dinner, all you have to do its get a little creative!
I made this delicious lentil soup in a pinch last week after not making it to the grocery store.
What you'll need
2 slice of thick cut bacon diced raw (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves of whole garlic smashed
1 onion diced
1/2 teaspoon Salt, Pepper and paprika (more to season later)
1 teaspoon fennel seed (ground)
2 medium carrots diced
2 celery stalks diced small
1 cup of uncooked lentils (rinsed and drained)
6 cups of veggie broth
(shaved parmesan for topping)
In a dutch oven over medium heat. Add bacon and saute until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve bits for later.
Add olive oil and heat through, add garlic and cook until soft. Then add onion. Season with salt pepper and paprika. Add the remaining veggies and cook until soft. Next you will add the ground fennel seed and dry lentils. cook for roughly 3 mins stirring often. Add broth. bring to a boil reduce heat and let simmer until lentils are soft (about 1 hour)
Transfer part of the mixture to blender. Blend until smooth then add back to pot. Season again to taste.
Serve in bowl and sprinkle with bacon bits and parmesan cheese
