Homemade Green Lentils

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup sliced carrots
• 3/4 cup chopped shallot
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp unsalted tomato paste
• 2 cups green lentils
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 4 cups water
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Preparation

Heat a medium saucepan over medium.  Add oil to pan; swirl to coat.  Add carrot, shallot, garlic, and tomato paste; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently.  Add lentils, thyme, and 4 cups water; bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 to 35 minutes or until lentils are tender.  Remove from heat, let stand 10 minutes.  Mix together and stir in remaining ingredients, then serve hot in bowls.