Hearty Lentil Celery (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 tbsp butter
02 -
1 litre stock
03 -
½ head broccoli (or another veggie you like)
04 -
Salt and pepper, adjust to taste
05 -
1 head celery, chopped into chunks
06 -
4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
07 -
1 tbsp olive oil
08 -
200 g red lentils (or a combo - see notes)
09 -
30 g finely grated hard cheese (or cheese rinds you have on hand)
# Instructions:
01 -
Melt the butter and warm the olive oil in a big pot. Stir in the chunks of celery and cook for a few minutes until it's starting to soften.
02 -
Mix the garlic and lentils into the pot. Stir everything for a couple of minutes so the lentils are coated with the oil and butter.
03 -
Add the stock and wait for it to come to a gentle bubble. If you're using cheese rinds, throw them in now. Cover it up and let it cook for 20 minutes, or until the lentils start turning soft and mushy.
04 -
Toss in the broccoli (or whatever you've picked) and give it another 5-10 minutes to cook until everything is soft.
05 -
Take the pot off the heat and blend until it's smooth. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer to a jug blender—but don't forget to leave room for steam to escape by covering the open vent with a dish towel.
06 -
If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a bit more hot stock until you're happy with it. Mix in the grated cheese and stir until it melts in completely.
07 -
Give it a taste and sprinkle in salt and pepper if it needs it. Serve warm, maybe with some crusty bread.
# Notes:
01 -
You could swap out red lentils for other kinds. If they're not pre-cooked, cook them first to save time.
02 -
Switch up the vegetables! About 2 cups worth of prepared fresh or frozen veggies can work—think cauliflower, leafy greens, or frozen mixes.
03 -
Keep this soup in the fridge after cooling. It'll last for 3 days in a sealed container.
04 -
For a longer term, freeze portions in airtight containers. It can last 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight or for a few hours on the counter before reheating.