French Lentil and Carrot Soup

Name: French Lentil and Carrot Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h 15 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 5 large carrots, peeled and sliced; 1-1/2 cups dried green lentils, rinsed; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups cubed rotisserie chicken; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

It's crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave it out altogether if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Ingredients

5 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1-1/2 cups dried green lentils, rinsed
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cubed rotisserie chicken
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Combine the first seven ingredients in a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker; cover. Cook, on low until lentils are tender, 6-8 hours.
Stir in chicken and cream. Cover and continue cooking until heated through, about 15 minutes.

Test Kitchen tips

Remember to check the label when buying Herbs de Provence; some contain lavender and some don’t. The lavender adds an unusual flavor that really complements both carrots and lentils.

The amount of heavy cream may be increased, decreased or eliminated altogether depending on personal tastes.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 338 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.

Originally published as French Lentil and Carrot Crockpot Soup in Taste of Home September/October 2018