Countryside Lentil Soup

Serves: 6

Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 min

What You'll Need:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups water

5 cups chicken broth

1 (12-ounce) package dried lentils, washed and drained

3 carrots, finely chopped

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

What To Do:

1. In a soup pot over medium heat, heat oil; saute onion and garlic 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 50 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Note: For a heartier soup, add about 1 cup chopped smoked ham or leftover cooked beef.