INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 quarts water
1 bag (16 oz) dried lentils, rinsed
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup green beans, cut into 1" pieces
1/2 cup pastina
1 Tbsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

2. Add onion and garlic.

3. Saute for 2 minutes.

4. Add water and lentils.

5. Bring to a boil and cover.

6. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Place 1/4 cup of lentil mixture in a blender or food processor and puree.

8. Add mixture back to pot and return to a boil.

9. Add carrots, celery, green beans, pastina, salt, and pepper.

10. Cover and cook an additional 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The firmness of the carrots, celery, and green beans will tell you whether soup is done.