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  Puy lentils, grown in France are just wonderful in soups. They thicken without turning to sludge. They don't break down like other lentils and keep their lovely little shape, giving any soup which is made with them a bit of a bite, a very delicious bite!

 Todd usually only likes his soups pureed . . . I like a bit of texture in my soups. This soup pleases on both levels because you do get that pureed texture from the meltingly tender vegetables and a lovely bit of texture from the lentils.

 

 *Chunky Puy Lentil and Vegetable Soup*
Serves 4 to 6

 

Delicious, warming and filling.  Perfect comfort food!

2 TBS butter
2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 leeks, white part only, thinly sliced
1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes
2 tsp dried oregano
400g tin of chopped plum tomatoes plus juice (2 cups)
200g Puy lentils (approximately 1 cup)
1 litre vegetable stock (about 4 1/4 cups)
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
freshly grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese to serve
crusty bread, toasted and butter, to serve

Melt the butter in a large heavy bottomed saucepan.  Add the carrots, leeks, onion and garlic, stirring to coat with the butter.  Add a healthy pinch of salt, cover and allow to cook for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.  

Add the chilli flakes, oregano, lentils and stock.  Cover and allow to simmer for about 30 minutes or so, until the lentils are cooked.  Taste and adjust seasoning if required.  Ladle into heated bowls.  Serve with buttered toast on the side, and grated cheese on top. 

 

Soup . . . the ultimate comfort food. Really. I like to think that when I choose a bowl of soup . . . I am making a healthy choice.  Bon Appetite!