Lentil-Apple Soup

A great filling soup nice for the cooler days of Autumn.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  oil
• 1 1⁄2 cups  thinly sliced leeks (white and light green parts only; about 2 medium, sliced and thoroughly rinsed)
• 6  cups water
• 2  cups  unsweetened apple juice
• 1 1⁄2 cups lentils, rinsed
• 3  large celery ribs, with leaves
• 1  onion, studded with
• 6  whole cloves
• 1  bay leaf
• 1 1⁄2 cups  peeled and chopped apples (cooking apples preferred)
• 1  teaspoon salt (to taste)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat oil; saute lleks until tender; add water and apple juice; bring to a boil.
2. Stir in lentils, celery, onion, and bay leaf; return to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
3. Stir in apple, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes more; season to taste with salt.
4. Discard celery, onion, and bay leaf before serving.