Marlene’s Old World Style Lentil Soup

FOOD & DRINK > RECIPES

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Feb. 2, 2012

Sometimes, the best things in life are those that have been passed down for generations. Such is the case with Marlene Tenuto’s Old World Style Lentil Soup, which is based on a recipe she learned from her grandmother.

The resident of the 1500 block of Hulseman Street, who is a nutritionist, makes the soup her own by adding some red wine and a variety of spices, including hot pepper flakes. As winter pushes on, this lentil soup provides a healthy, body-warming alternative. SPR

Ingredients:

Olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 onion, minced
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 teaspoon of parsley
4 basil leaves
1 cilantro sprig, optional
Hot pepper flakes, to taste
Dash of fennel seed
Dash of curry powder
1/2 bag of lentils, washed
3 cups of water
2 cups of chicken broth
1/4 cup of red wine
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup of rice or pastina, cooked according to package directions
Parmesan cheese, to taste

Directions:

Sauté the garlic, onion, celery, carrots, parsley, basil, cilantro, pepper flakes, fennel seed and curry powder in the oil.

Add the lentils, water, broth, wine, salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil and simmer for about 90 minutes until it thickens. Add more broth, if needed for desired consistency.

When the soup is almost done, add the rice or pastina. Top with Parmesan.

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