New Years French Lentil Soup Food

LENTIL SOUP WITH DITALINI (AKA, NEW YEAR'S SOUP)

Steps:

• Sautee pancetta (or ham) in olive oil over medium heat for a few minutes till it browns lightly.
• Add onion, celery and carrots, salt and pepper, and sautee till softened. Add garlic. Stir & continue cooking for a minute or two.
• Add lentils, herbs & salt and pepper, stir, and add about 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and partially cover, then lower heat to the lowest simmer possible. Allow to simmer quietly & peacefully for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook ditalini according to box directions until al dente. Drain.
• Add diced tomatoes to soup, stir and continue cooking for about 10 minutes.
• Stir in cooked pasta to soup.
• Ladel soup into bowls, drizzle a little olive oil over the top, sprinkle some fresh cracked black pepper, and parmesean cheese. Eat it up with some crusty bread!

FRENCH LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic; sauté until vegetables begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Add 4 cups broth, lentils, and tomatoes with juice and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, about 35 minutes.
• Transfer 2 cups soup (mostly solids) to blender and puree until smooth. Return puree to soup in pan; thin soup with more broth by 1/4 cupfuls, if too thick. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar, if desired. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with celery leaves.

LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a deep saucepan. Add the onions and garlic. Cook briefly, stirring, until wilted. Do not brown.
• Add the lentils, rice, broth, water, salt, pepper, bay leaf and thyme. Simmer for 30 minutes. Scoop out 1 cup of the lentils, rice and broth and set aside.
• Remove and discard bay leaf. Put the remaining soup through a food processor or food mill and process until fine. This may have to be done in two or more operations.
• Return the soup to the pan and add the reserved cup. Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Adjust the seasonings. Sprinkle with the chervil or parsley. Serve hot with croutons.