Lentil, Shrimp and Rice Soup

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons Riceland Rice Bran Oil
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup 1/4-inch sliced carrots
1 cup 1/4-inch sliced celery
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
2 14-ounce cans unsalted diced Italian style tomatoes (with basil, garlic and oregano)
6 cups unsalted chicken or vegetable stock (Add additional water as needed for desired consistency.)
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves or 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
1 large piece parmesan rind, optional
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained*
3 cups shredded kale or spinach, optional
1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups cooked Riceland Long Grain Brown Rice
2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, optional
2 Tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley as garnish
Shaved parmesan, as garnish

Preparation

In a large soup pot, over medium heat, heat 4 Tablespoons of the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
Add the carrots and celery to the onion and cook about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat and add the garlic. Cook until softened.
Add in the salt, red pepper flakes, tomatoes, stock and Italian seasoning.
Bring to a simmer; cover and cook until slightly thickened.
Stir in lentils. Continue to simmer until they are tender, 20-30 minutes. Add additional water or stock as needed.
When lentils are done, stir in kale and simmer 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the shrimp; cook 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the cooked rice and 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
Check for seasonings.
Spoon into serving bowls and garnish with parsley and parmesan as desired.

Notes: *Black lentils also work nicely, but they are more expensive and more difficult to find. Do not use red lentils as they tend to get mushy. Do not skip washing lentils as small pebbles are sometimes present.

To cook perfect brown rice every time.