MINESTRONE WITH LENTILS AND BROWN RICE By Wolfgang Puck
St. Paul Pioneer Press Makes 6 to 8 servings. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 medium leeks, white parts only, halved lengthwise, thoroughly rinsed, chopped 6 garlic cloves, chopped 7 cups cold water, vegetable broth or chicken broth 1 can (14 ounces) peeled and crushed tomatoes 1/3 cup uncooked brown rice 1/3 cup dried dark-green Puy-style lentils 1 1/2 cups chopped green or savoy cabbage 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 large bay leaf 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley, basil or chives 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese To use pressure cooker method: Heat large pressure cooker over medium heat. Add oil and leeks. Saute for 1 to 2 minutes or until leeks begin to soften and smell fragrant. Add garlic. Stir for a few seconds. Stir in water or broth, canned tomatoes, brown rice, lentils, cabbage, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Secure lid. Bring pressure cooker to high pressure. Turn heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes. Turn off heat. Release pressure, following manufacturer's instructions. Carefully remove lid. (Note: Brown rice and lentils should be tender.) Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until soup is thick but still fairly fluid. Adjust seasonings to taste. Or to use stovetop method: Heat oil in large, heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add leeks. Saute, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes or tender. Stir in garlic. Saute, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until fragrant. Stir in water or broth, canned tomatoes, brown rice, lentils, cabbage, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. Increase heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover. Simmer gently for 1 hour. To serve: Ladle soup into serving bowls. Garnish each with some chopped fresh herbs and a spoonful of grated parmesan. _______________________________________________ Cookinginthedark mailing list [email protected] http://acbradio.org/mailman/listinfo/cookinginthedark
