French Lentils with Garlic & Thyme

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 carrot
• 2¼ cups French lentils
• 1 tsp thyme
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 sticks celery

Method

Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add the oil. When hot, add the chopped vegetables and sauté until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add 6 cups water, the lentils, thyme, bay leaves and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a fast simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the water, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain any excess water. Serve immediately, or cool and reheat later. For a fuller taste, swap some of the water for chicken or vegetable stock.