- 55g/2oz butter
- ½ onion, finely sliced
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 100g/3½oz Puy lentils
- 150ml/¼ pint hot chicken stock (vegetarians can substitute vegetable stock)
- 100g/3½oz spinach leaves, washed
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp double cream, to serve
- Heat the butter in a saucepan and gently fry the onion for five minutes until soft but not coloured.
- Add the garlic and fry for one minute.
- Add the chopped tomato, lentils and chicken stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Allow to cool slightly.
- Pour the soup into a blender, add the spinach and herbs and blend until smooth. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reheat the soup if necessary.
- To serve, pour the soup into a serving bowl and swirl in a spoonful of double cream.