French Lentil Rice Soup

By Hklbrries

Note: Use caution when processing hot liquids in a blender. Vent the blender lid and cover with a clean kitchen towel as directed by manufacturer.

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 tbsp uncooked white rice
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp herbes de Provence or dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground white or black pepper
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream (divided), optional
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley, divided (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Stir together broth, lentils, carrots, onion, celery, rice, garlic, herbes de Provence, salt and pepper in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.

Remove 1 1/2 cups soup and puree in a food processor or blender until almost smooth. Stir pureed soup back into the slow cooker.

Divide soup evenly among 4 serving bowls, garnishing each with 1 tablespoon cream and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, if desired.