Lentil Soup With Ditalini Aka New Years Soup Recipes

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!

SOUP WITH LENTILS AND DITALINI PASTA

Steps:

• Heat the broth with the additional 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the salt, several grinds of pepper, and the rinsed lentils. Return to a gentle boil, and cook, covered, for 35 to 40 minutes, until the lentils are tender-add more hot water as needed.
• Taste, and add more salt to balance the pasta: stir in the ditalini and cook for 12 minutes or more, until the pasta is to your liking. Add hot water to thin the soup too, if necessary. Adjust the seasoning one last time, and serve right away in warm bowls, with freshly grated cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, and other garnishes (see page 60).

ITALIAN-STYLE LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan coated with cooking spray, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, celery and carrot; cook and stir until crisp-tender., Stir in lentils, parsley, bouillon, pepper and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally., Stir in tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar and salt; heat through. Serve with cheese. Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add a little water if necessary.