Potato Lentil Vegetable Soup

This recipe was inspired by Epicure's Potato Lentil Soup. I've never cooked with lentils before, so this was a first for me. I also learned that lentils don't cause gas like their cousin beans do. Bonus!

Potato Lentil Vegetable Soup:

Olive Oil
1/2 red onion, diced
2 cups diced red potatoes
3 stalks celery, diced
2 large carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups red lentils (pre soaked per package directions)
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
salt & pepper to taste
8 cups vegetable stock

1. Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook onions, celery, carrots, garlic and potatoes for a few minutes until fragrant.

2. Add stock, lentils and seasonings. Bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes until potatoes are cooked and broth has reduced slightly.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs.