Cooking Classics
The Technique
Fresh Herb Lentil Soup
Fresh Herb Lentil Soup is an excellent choice when a meatless main dish is desired as it is filling, particularly when served with handcrafted artisan bread. Rustic Country Boule utilizes a no knead bread making technique that truly is effortless to prepare. For the soup, a selection of aromatics, onion, carrot & celery, perfume the dish while tomato paste adds depth. Garlic & herbs offer bright, bold flavor once the preparations are underway for delicious taste. The lentils are tossed in at the end of the cooking process but be sure to hold onto the remaining amount as I have several special recipes reserved for them in a few weeks. In the meantime, look to The Basics: Lentils for additional pointers on how to cook this versatile legume. Learn to make a comforting classic combination by following these valuable techniques.
Fresh Herb Lentil Soup
makes 6 servings
1 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled & diced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 garlic cloves, pressed
3 oz tomato paste
2 Tbsp fresh herbs such as rosemary, parsley & thyme, chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 cups water
1 Tbsp chicken stock base
3/4 cup lentils
Garnishes: Fresh herbs, lemon wedges & Parmesan cheese
Rustic Country Boule
Sauté the onion, the carrots & the celery in hot oil over Medium heat in a Dutch oven stirring occasionally until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic & cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the tomato paste, the fresh herbs, the salt, the red pepper flakes & the black pepper. Stir together the water & the chicken stock base; stir into the mixture. Bring to a simmer over Medium-High heat. Reduce the heat to just under the Medium setting & simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the lentils & cook 20 minutes or until the lentils have a toothsome bite. Season with additional salt. Garnish, if desired.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
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How To Make Fresh Herb Lentil Soup
Fresh Herb Lentil Soup is not only filling but it is packed with valuable nutrition. The lentils are a great source of vitamins, minerals, protein & fiber. Be certain to serve the soup with the artisan bread pairing as it makes the meal complete. Just remember that the starter will need to be prepared the day before you plan to make them. Once you’re ready to begin cooking, the Rustic Country Boule can be baked first in the cast iron Dutch oven then the soup can be finished rather quickly on the stove top for a simple, satisfying meal solution.
The Technique
A few pieces of equipment will be needed in order to complete the task. Read through the recipe instructions before beginning. Here’s what you should know.
No. 1
Fresh vegetables, herbs & garlic season the soup beautifully. The lentils offer a good source of nutritionally sound protein. A combination of aromatic vegetables such as carrots, celery & onion, a mirepoix, serve as the foundation of flavor for soup. They are cut into a small dice to mimic the size of the lentils. Fresh herbs such as rosemary, parsley & thyme can be added for bright, clean notes that really make the dish outstanding. Use a variety of your favorites. The lentils offer heartiness & texture to the soup. Use chicken stock base when you are looking to add a richer, bolder flavor to recipes whenever broth is called for in recipe applications. A smidgen more or less can be used as you control the seasoning & salt level according to what suits your own taste. Look for jars of it on the soup aisle in your local grocery store.
No. 2
If the starter was prepared for the bread, bake the Rustic Country Boule. Sauté the onion, the carrots & the celery in hot oil over Medium heat in a Dutch oven stirring occasionally until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic & cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the tomato paste, the fresh herbs, the salt, the red pepper flakes & the black pepper.
2a
Stir together the water & the chicken stock base; stir into the mixture.
2b
Bring to a simmer over Medium-High heat. Reduce the heat to just under the Medium setting & simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the lentils & cook 20 minutes or until the lentils have a toothsome bite.
No. 3
Season with additional salt, if desired. Serve with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, Parmesan cheese & the bread.
The Remaining Soup
Cool the soup down quickly by adding ice cubes to it. Stir until the ice melts. Place in the fridge with the lid partially covering the pot until completely cool. The ice will slightly dilute the flavor however it will naturally reduce a smidgen as steam when reheated. Readjust the seasonings, if necessary.
No. 4
Rustic Country Boule is the perfect accompaniment to this crowd pleasing soup. It features a five-minute yeast bread technique which results in a loaf with a sourdough-like taste & a crumb that has a bit of a chew to it. Be certain to look to The Guide To Making Handcrafted Bread for additional pointers to prepare the bread.
The Tune
“Near You” The Andrew Sisters
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