Turkey, Lentil, and Mixed Brown Rice Soup

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until the vegetables are starting to soften, about 7 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook a minute more.
2. Next add in the turkey (or chicken) stock, bay leaf, thyme, and lentils. If using dried rice, add that now too. You may want to use the 5 cups of stock if adding dried. Cover and bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer with cover on for 45 minutes.
4. Uncover and stir in turkey and cooked rice (if dried not used), and continue simmering until lentils are tender, about 15 more minutes. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs, then add the parsley and balsamic vinegar. Taste test, then add ground pepper and salt, to taste. Serve with crusty bread.