Lentil Celery Root Soup

at-a-glance

Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 leek, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 medium (about 1½ pounds) celery root, peeled and chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 cup dry red lentils
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tablespoons honey
Juice of ½ lemon
Parmesan cheese, grated

1. In a large saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add leek and cook 3 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, cayenne, salt and pepper and cook 1 minute more. Add celery root, carrot, lentils, apple, broth and 1 cup water to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes, or until carrot and celery root are tender. Stir in honey and lemon juice.

2. Remove from heat. In two batches, purée soup in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return to pan and stir in more water (up to 2 cups) if needed to reach desired consistency. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Serve garnished with additional black pepper and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.