French Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 4 ounces bacon (, diced)
• 1 medium yellow onion (, chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (, minced)
• 2 medium carrots (, diced)
• 1/2 medium celeriac (, aka celery root, diced)
• 1 large leek (, chopped, thoroughly rinsed and drained)
• 6 cups quality chicken broth
• 1 cup French Le Puy lentils (, aka French lentils, rinsed and drained)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme (, or 3/4 teaspoon dried)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1

   In a stock pot cook the bacon over medium-high heat until done. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent and golden, 7-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the celeriac, leek and carrots and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until beginning to soften. Add the lentils and cook for another minute or two. Add all remaining ingredients except for the parsley and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the parsley and add salt and pepper to taste.