Countryside Lentil Soup

By Piaso

Hearty yet healthy, our stick-to-your-ribs, Tuscan-inspired recipe for Countryside Lentil soup is pure comfort in a bowl! Put out a basket of crusty whole grain bread, and this one rounds out perfectly as a main dish meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups water
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (12-ounce) package dried lentils, washed and drained
• 3 carrots, finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat and saute the onion and garlic 3 minutes. Add water, chicken broth, lentils, carrots, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 40 to 45 minutes, or until lentils are tender. REMOVE AND DISCARD BAY LEAF BEFORE SERVING.
Trust us! You'll want to have some fresh biscuits handy so you can sop up every last delicious drop!
Notes

For a heartier soup, add about 1 cup chopped smoked ham or leftover cooked beef or even chopped cold cuts along with the other ingredients.