Hearty Lentil Soup with Bacon and Herbs

1. 1

   Combine onion, celery, carrot, bacon and garlic in heavy Dutch oven.

2. 2

   Stir over medium-high heat 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes.

4. 4

   Uncover; add 7 cups broth, lentils, thyme and bay leaf and bring to boil.

5. 5

   Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.

6. 6

   Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf.

7. 7

   Transfer half of soup to processor; cool slightly.

8. 8

   Puree until smooth.

9. 9

   Return puree to Dutch oven.

10. 10

    (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.

11. 11

    Cover and refrigerate.)

12. 12

    Bring soup to simmer, thinning with more broth, if desired.

13. 13

    Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.

14. 14

    Combine parsley and chives in small bowl.

15. 15

    Ladle soup into bowls.

16. 16

    Sprinkle parsley mixture over and serve.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.