Prep Time::30 mins
Cook Time:: 2 hrs
Total Time:: 2 hrs 30 mins
Servings::10
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery with leaves, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
6 cups water
2 cups French green lentils
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
1 tablespoon salt, or more to taste
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour (Optional)
¼ cup butter (Optional)
1 lemon, cut into wedges
freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Cook and stir onion, celery, and carrots until slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, 30 seconds.
Add water, lentils, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, salt, coriander, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; stir to incorporate. Cover and simmer until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours.
Whisk flour and butter together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; stir constantly until thickened and paste-like, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes, until light brown, about 20 more minutes.
Whisk flour paste into finished soup, a spoonful at a time, until smooth and creamy. Serve with lemon wedges, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper.