Hearty Lentil Bowl (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 3 garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped.
02 - 1 onion, diced.
03 - 2 carrots, sliced into rounds.
04 - 2 stalks celery, finely diced.
05 - 1 ½ cups diced potatoes (use 4-5 small ones).
06 - ½ teaspoon marjoram.
07 - ½ teaspoon thyme.
08 - ½ cup rinsed brown or green lentils.
09 - 6 cups veggie broth.
10 - A pinch of salt (adjust to your preferred taste).
11 - 2 tablespoons sour cream.
12 - ⅓ cup cheddar cheese, shredded.
13 - Optional: Fresh herbs to top it off.

# Instructions:

01 - Warm up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pan over medium heat. Cook the celery, onion, and garlic together until the garlic turns soft and looks translucent.
02 - Toss in the potatoes, carrots, and a small pinch of salt. Stir them around for about 1-2 minutes.
03 - Throw in the lentils, thyme, marjoram, and veggie stock. Cover the pan, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for roughly 25-30 minutes until the lentils are soft.
04 - Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for 5 minutes to cool a bit. Mix in the shredded cheddar.
05 - Scoop out about ¼ cup of broth (leave the veggies behind), mix it with the sour cream, and pour it back into the pot.
06 - If you want it smoother, blend about ¼ of the soup with a stick blender. This is optional.
07 - Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Dish it up with some fresh herbs sprinkled on top.

# Notes:

01 - Loaded with protein and fiber thanks to the lentils, this dish is both hearty and healthy.
02 - To make it vegan, skip the cheese and sour cream, or swap them for vegan-friendly options.