French Lentil Soup

May 1, 2011

What makes this soup French is the use of the French lentils du Puy, which are smaller and dark green compared to the beige "generic" lentils we normally see. Lentils are high in protein and fiber. And let's be honest, just plain delicious.

French Lentil Soup

2 T olive oil
2 onions, thinly sliced
1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup lentils du Puy, rinsed and picked over
1 strip orange peel (about 2 inches long), white pith removed and cut into 3 pieces
6 black peppercorns
6 coriander seeds
2 cloves
1-1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
6 thin slices pancetta, to serve

Photo By: Random Sparkle

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