RisaG posted 1-28-99
* Exported from MasterCook * 
Creamy Lentil Soup 
Recipe By : Garlic, Garlic, Garlic by Linda & Fred Griffith 
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00 
Categories : 
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method 
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3 tbsp. olive oil 
1 jumbo Spanish Onion -- finely chopped 
4 plump cloves garlic -- smashed and minced 
2 large carrots -- finely chopped 
1/2 tsp. dried thyme 
1 bay leaf 
2 cups green or brown lentils -- picked over and rinsed 
8 cups vegetable or chicken stock -- plus more if needed 
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 
1/3 cup dry sherry 
2 tbsp. fresh chives -- minced 
Heat oil in a heavy 4-or-5 quart saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion, increase heat and cook, stirring often, until golden, 8-12 minutes.  
Be careful not to burn.  Stir in garlc and carrots.  Cook until garlic has softened, 2-4 minutes.
Add thyme, bay leaf, lentils and stock.
 Cover and cook over high heat until liquid is bubbling.  
Reduce heat and simmer briskly until lentils begin to fall apart, 1-1 3/4 hours.  
 
Discard bay leaf. 
Working in batches, puree soup in a food processor, food mill, or use an immersion blender. 
Transfer puree to a clean saucepan.  Season with salt and pepper.  Stir in sherry and heat until simmering.  While this should be a very thick soup,you may wish to thin it a little with some reserved stock. 
Ladle into heated soup bowls and garnish with fresh chives.