*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                       Savory Lentil Soup From Nice

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 4    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Soups

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           Raw brown lentils
   2      cups          Water
   2      large         White onions -- chopped
   2                    Garlic cloves -- minced
   2      large         Rosemary sprigs
   2                    Thyme sprigs
   2                    Sage sprigs
   2                    Oregano sprigs
   2                    Fresh bay leaves OR
   1                    Dried bay leaf
   1      bn            Swiss chard leaves
   1      tablespoon    Extra virgin olive oil
                        Salt -- to taste
                        Freshly ground black pepper

Rinse the lentils.  In a large pot, combine the lentils, water, onions, and garlic. 
 Tie into a piece of cheesecloth the rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, an bay
 leaves or leaf, and add to the mixture.  Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer ove
r low heat for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Remove the cheesecloth bundle.  Puree the mixture in a mouli mill or food processor,
 taking care not to let it become too thin.  Return the puree to the saucepan and heat gently on low.
Strip chard from the stems and tear into small pieces.  Stir into soup, cooking gently
 until the leaves turn bright green.
Stir in the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.  Serve immediately, or let cool,
 and refrigerate up to 3 days.  This recipe serves 4 to 6.

 Comments:  A small miracle, a lentil soup with fewer ingredients yet far more flavor
 than most others.
This soup can be kept in the refrigerator up to 3 days.  It's even better on the second day.


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