Chicken Lentil Soup With Kale - cooking recipe

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 leaf
4 cups coarsely chopped kale
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breasts, cubed
1 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup dry lentils

Preparation

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.
Add broth, bay leaves and, if using, dried basil to vegetable mixture. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
Stir in kale, lentils, salt and black pepper. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered 10 minutes.
Stir in chicken,tomato, and , if using, fresh basil. Simmer, covered, for 15-20 min more or until kale and lentils are tender.
Remove bay leaves before serving.