Garlic Lover's Lentil Soup Recipe: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp broth or water
• 0.25 cup coarsely chopped garlic
• 2 cups thinly sliced leeks (white and light green parts) or coarsely chopped onions
• 2 large carrots , halved lengthwise and cut into 0.25 inch slices
• 2 large celery ribs , diced
• 0.5 lb (227 g) fresh mushrooms , halved (if small) or quartered
• 2 cups dried lentils , picked over and rinsed
• 6 cups boiling water
• 1.25 tsp dried rosemary leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme or marjoram leaves
• 2 large bay leaves
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 large red bell peppers , roasted, seeded, and diced
• 0.5 to 0.75 cup minced fresh parsley
• 2 to 3 tsp balsamic vinegar
• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste