Chicken Lentil Soup With Kale

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup coarsely chopped carrot
• 2-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon snipped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 4 cups coarsely chopped kale
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup dry lentils

Directions

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add onion, carrot, and garlic. Cook, covered, for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender, stirring occasionally.

2. 2

   Add broth, bay leaves and, if using, dried basil to vegetable mixture. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in kale, lentils, salt and black pepper. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in chicken,tomato, and , if using, fresh basil. Simmer, covered, for 15-20 min more or until kale and lentils are tender.

5. 5

   Remove bay leaves before serving.