French Lentil Soup Recipe

0 Heat olive oil in a large heavy bottom pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook until they are softened, 10-12 minutes.
1 Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute.
2 Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3 Stir in the tomatoes, bay leaf, and thyme. Cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
4 Add French lentils, salt and pepper. Give it a big stir to make sure that everything is mixed evenly.
5 Pour in the vegetable stock, turn the heat up to medium-high, put the lid on and bring it to a boil. Once boiled, turn down the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes.
6 Right before serving, take out the bay leaf and stir in the balsamic vinegar and chopped parsley.
7 Pour the soup in individual bowls and garnish it with more parsley.