As I have mentioned in the past, Pass the Sushi and my Two New a Week goal have really introduced me to some new and interesting things.
It has also introduced me to some pretty basic things as well. Like lentils. Going into today’s recipe, I had no idea what a lentil was or what it taste like. I didn’t google lentil or research what I was getting into. I grabbed a bag off at the market and set out to make supper.
At the dinner table, Handsome asked me what a lentil was. I politely told him I had know clue. When asked what the back up plan was, I replied that I didn’t have one.
Dinner was delicious.
Lentil Sausage Soup
From Barefoot Contessa; Episode: Tale of Two Soups
Ingredients:
1 pound French green lentils (recommended: du Puy)- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for serving
- 4 cups diced yellow onions (3 large)
- 4 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts only (2 leeks)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (2 large cloves)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 cups medium diced celery (8 stalks)
- 3 cups medium diced carrots (4 to 6 carrots)
- 3 quarts Homemade Chicken Stock or canned broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 pound kielbasa, cut in 1/2 lengthwise and sliced 1/3-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons dry red wine or red wine vinegar
- Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
Preparation:
In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Drain.
In a large stockpot over medium heat, heat the olive oil and saute the onions, leeks, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and cumin for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are translucent and tender.
Add the celery and carrots and saute for another 10 minutes.
Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and drained lentils, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, or until the lentils are cooked through and tender. Check the seasonings.
Add the kielbasa and red wine and simmer until the kielbasa is hot. Serve drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan.
Incase anyone reading this is as much of a newb as I can be at times, check out the Wiki page on lentils.
My name is Kita. I am a 20 something girl geek and website/graphic designer who can rock an apron like there is no tomorrow.
i’m so impressed that you made this without any research! i love lentil soup
This is one great looking soup, the lentils with the sausage is an amzing flavor combination.
Bon appetit!
CCR
=:~)
I make a chicken sausage and lentil soup that gets adapted so many times that its become a bit of a kitchen sink type of soup. Yours looks delicious!
Looks delicious!
I love lentil soup, pairing it with some sausage sounds amazing!
Ha – well, I didn’t know what lentils were for the longest time, either! But it certainly looks like you’ve done them properly; wow.