Lentil and Arborio rice soup

This is a great soup to make when you don't really have any fresh vegetables and need to work with pantry staples. French green lentils do not require to be soaked in advance - hence making them a perfect lentil for last minute cooking. I used the farmers market yellow carrot - hence you see the yellow pieces - it is not a bad camera! I also used Arborio rice since I like the short grain starchy rice for my soups.

French green lentils and Arborio rice soup

1/4 cup French green lentils rinsed and drained
1/4 cup Arborio rice
1 large carrot
1 small onion chopped
1 garlic peeled and minced
1 cup chopped tomato (skin removed)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
3 cups water or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat a 3 quart stock pot or dutch oven with 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic and saute over medium heat with a pinch of salt for about 3 minutes till the onions have softened.
2. Add the carrot, lentils and rice and saute for another 3 to 5 minutes till the rice and lentils are well coated with the onion mixture.
3. Now add the chopped tomato and the thyme leaves and cook for another couple of minutes. Add the stock and bring the mixture to a boil Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes till the rice and lentils are cooked. Check for seasoning and add the salt and pepper as per your taste.

Serve with warm bread and a salad - makes a lovely lunch or supper.

Serves 3