French Green Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
1/2 cup French (Puy) Lentils
2 cups chopped Yellow Onions (2 medium)
1 Tbsp. Minced Garlic (2 large cloves)
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 Tsp. Kosher Salt
1/2 Tsp. freshly ground Black Pepper
1 tsp. ground Cumin
1 cup medium diced Celery (2 stalks)
1 cup medium diced Carrots
2 cups Chicken Stock
2/3 cup Water
2 tbsp. Tomato Paste
1 tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Directions:
In a small bowl, cover Lentils with boiling water & allow to sit for 15 mins.; drain. In a dutch oven over medium heat, saute Onions & Garlic with Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper & Cumin for 10 mins. until vegetables are translucent & very tender. Add Celery & Carrots & saute for 5 more mins. Add Chicken Stock, Tomato Paste & Lentils. Cover & bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer, covered for 1 hour, until Lentils are cooked through. Uncover & check soup periodically to ensure there is enough broth and/or water to cover the Lentils. Add more if needed. Check the seasonings & adjust to taste. Stir in Red Wine Vinegar. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of Sour Cream, Cilantro & sprinkled with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.