SORREL AND LENTIL SOUP

Serves 4

2 Tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tin diced tomatoes
200g lentils – brown or du puy
2 litres chicken or veg stock
4 to 6 fresh thyme sprigs
2-4 generous handfuls fresh sorrel, finely cut
1 cup shredded Parmesan

Method
Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper and saute until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices. Simmer until the juices evaporate a little and the tomatoes break down, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add the lentils and mix to coat. Add the broth and stir. Add the thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over low heat until the lentils are almost tender, about 30 minutes.

Add the sorrel, stir and let wilt into the soup for a couple of minutes, season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with the Parmesan, drizzle with olive oil, and serve