Creating Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup is simple if you follow these easy steps:

1. Rinse Lentils: Begin by rinsing the lentils under cold water to remove any debris or impurities.
2. Prep Vegetables: Chop the potatoes, onion, carrots, and mince the garlic for the next steps.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and carrots, sautéing until the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced potatoes, rinsed lentils, ground cumin, dried thyme, broth, and water. Stir to mix everything well.
6. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
8. Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning as desired.
9. Blend (optional): For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup. Alternatively, leave it chunky for a heartier bite.
10. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

By following these steps, you’ll have a delightful pot of Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup ready to savor.