Hearty Lentil Soup - ATK

Submitted by gailanng

"ATK:  Lentils du Puy, sometimes called French green lentils, are ATK’s first choice for this recipe, but brown, black or regular green lentils work, also. Cooking times will vary depending on the type of lentils used.  It’s important to note that lentils lose flavor with age (something that has never occurred to me) so it’s wise to select from your freshest source.  The soup can be made in advance. After adding the vinegar in step 2, cool the soup to room temperature and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To serve, heat it over medium-low until hot, then stir in the parsley."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Yields: 2 Quarts
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 3 ounces)
• 1 large onion, chopped fine (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped medium (about 1 cup)
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leave
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed and picked over (do not skip rinsing and sorting)
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
• 4 1⁄2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves

directions

1. Fry bacon in large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Add onion and carrots; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, bay leaf and thyme; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in lentils, salt and pepper to taste; cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until vegetables are softened and lentils have darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to high, add wine and bring to simmer. Add chicken broth and water; bring to boil, cover partially, and reduce heat to low. Simmer until lentils are tender but still hold their shape, 30 to 35 minutes; discard bay leaf.
2. Puree 3 cups soup in blender until smooth, then return to pot; stir in vinegar and heat soup over medium-low until hot, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons parsley and serve, garnishing each bowl with some of remaining parsley.