Lentil Soup

• This recipe is based on Lentils-Polish style.
• As autumn is approaching I thought I would share this warming soup recipe.

Ingredients

• 150g – 200g dried Puy lentils
• 100g smoked bacon – chopped into small squares
• 1 large onion or 2 leeks – chopped.
• 1 courgette – chopped into small pieces
• ½ tube of tomato purée
• 1½ litres of chicken stock (can be from a cube or concentrate)
• 5 grains of allspice
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika (not smoked)
• 2 tablespoons of butter for frying
• Ground black pepper
• Salt might not be needed because of the bacon

Method

• Cook the lentils in water until they are soft.
• Fry up the bacon and the onions in the butter.
• Add the courgettes and put them into a large saucepan.
• Add the stock, tomato puree and lentils.
• Add the bay leaves and allspice.
• Bring to the boil and then let simmer for around 30 minutes.
• Season with the black pepper to taste.