A heart-warming simple soup that can be elevated with a topping of your choice; sourdough croutons, pancetta or even caramelised onions.  A simple and tasty recipe that the whole family will appreciate.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium carrots, grated
  • 1 white onion finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1tbsp of olive oil or 30g of butter
  • 500ml stock of your choice (I have used ham but vegetable or chicken will also work)
  • 350g lentils
  • 2tsp mixed herbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water if required

Method

In a large pan, sweat off the onion, carrots and garlic in the butter or oil of your choice for 8-10 minutes until the onions are soft. Add in the lentils and cook off for 3 more minutes then add the herbs, stock and salt and pepper.

Simmer gently for around 25-30 minutes, adding water if the mixture is too thick.

When the lentils are cooked through, plate and serve with warm bread.

Gary Townsend is the owner of Elements

19 New Kirk Road, Bearsden, Glasgow. G61 3SJ

www.elementsgla.com