Carrot, Red Lentil And Orange Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, peeled, chopped
1 bay leaf
2 celery ribs, trimmed, chopped
1 lb carrot, peeled, chopped
1/2 cup red lentil, rinsed
1 (14 ounce) can tomatoes, diced
2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1 cup fresh orange juice (a cup!)
1/2 teaspoon orange zest, minced
1 dash salt
1 dash ground black pepper
4 tablespoons plain yogurt
4 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation

In a large saucepan heat the oil, then gently fry the onion, bay leaf & celery for 5 minutes to soften them slightly, BUT DO NOT BROWN!
Add the carrots & cook, stirring for another 2 minutes, until well coated in the onion & celery mixture.
Stir in the lentils, tomatoes veggie stock, & bring to a boil before turning down the heat, covering & simmering for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick & tender.
Remove from the heat & let stand, covered for 10 minutes, before discarding the bay leaf.
Stir in the orange juice, the zest & seasoning, then return to the heat & reheat gently until piping hot BUT NOT BOILING!
To serve, ladel into warmed soup bowls & swirl the surface with a tablespoon of yogurt, then sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top & ENJOY!