Homestyle Lentil Soup

There are still a couple of nights that are still a little chilly, so a soup night is always something to look forward to.  And fresh bread to add to this soup, is just perfect.  We usually pick up a baguette at Cowgirl Creamery, where there is always a couple of fresh ones.  I enjoyed this soup since it not only had the lentils, very filling, but it also has plenty of vegetables- which are always tasty in a soup. 

Homestyle Lentil Soup
Adapted from: Honest Fare Blog

2 cups lentils
4 carrots, cut diagonally about 1/4 inch thick
1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
1 yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups of water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
3 bay leaves
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Heat oil in a large pot.  Once heated, add onions, garlic and carrots.  Saute until lightly brown, then add tomatoes, herbs and paprika.  Stir and cook for 3 minutes.  Then add water, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, lentils, salt and pepper.  Cover, and bring to a boil. 

Once the soup is boiling, reduce heat to simmer.  Then simmer the sopu for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the lentils are cooked.  Ladle some in a bowl, and serve with fresh bread.