Lentil and Orzo Soup

Soup prepared from water, onion, carrot, dried lentils, bell pepper, brown sugar, basil, marjoram, oregano, thyme, black pepper, chicken stock, tomatoes, green beans, tomato paste, garlic, bay leaf orzo and white wine. Individual servings are garnished with seasoned croutons.

Ingredients -

6 cups Cold Water
1-1/2 cup Yellow Onion, chopped
1 cup Carrot, chopped
1 cup Dried Lentils
1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, chopped
3 teaspoons Brown Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon Marjoram
1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1 7/8 pound Chicken Stock
1-3/4 pound Tomatoes, undrained, chopped
9 ounces Frozen Green Beans
1 (6 ounces) can Tomato Paste
3 fresh Garlic Cloves, minced
1 Bay Leaf
1 cup Orzo
1/4 cup White Wine Vinegar
1 cup Seasoned Croutons

Preparation:

1. Add 4 cups water, chopped onion, chopped carrot, dried lentils, chopped bell pepper, brown sugar, dried basil, marjoram, dried oregano, dried thyme, fresh ground black pepper, chicken stock, chopped fresh tomatoes with their juices, green beans, tomato paste, minced garlic and bay leaf to stockpot.

2. Bring to a boil over medium high heat.

3. Reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in remaining 2 cups water, orzo and white wine vinegar.

5. Continue cooking for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.

6. Discard bay leaf.

v7. Ladle soup into individual bowls and garnish with croutons.

Lentil Soup Tip

Lentil Preparation

Since lentils do not need presoaking they can be prepared the same day, usually in about 30 minutes time. Lentils should be rinsed and sorted to remove dirt and any debris. Simply place lentils on a plate or large light colored platter, remove anything unwanted, and place the remaining lentils in a strainer and run under cold water.

Lentil Soup Tip

Dried Herbs

Most dried herbs lose much of their flavor when cooked, especially over long cooking times. For best results and when possible, add dried herbs at the end of the cooking process to enjoy their best flavor.

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