French Lentil Rice Soup

Just as soon as I throw the windows open and get prepared to put on warmer clothes, the warm air comes rushing back. No matter, the cool air will return, and this is what we will be eating.

I don't use my slow cooker hardly enough.  When I do, I am reminded that it is a time saver.  More importantly, my slow cooker can produce healthy and flavorful meals that offer me a hassle-free dinner.

French Lentil Rice Soup

Serves 4

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 tablespoons uncooked white rice

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon herbs de Provence or dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground white or black pepper

1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream, divided (optional)

1/4 cup chopped parsley, divided (optional)

Directions:

Stir together broth, lentils, carrots, onion, celery, rice, garlic, herbs 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.

Enjoy!