Lentil Soup with Broccoli Rabe Recipe
Source: Quick from Scratch - Vegetable Main Dishes
Serves 4
Cook the broccoli rabe in a separate pan, not in the soup pot. That
way, any excess bitterness from the vegetable goes down the drain with
the cooking water rather than into the soup. You*ll find, though, that a
bit of bite enlivens the lentils.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound lentils (2 cups)
2-1/2 quarts water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bay leaf
2-1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1 pound broccoli rabe, cut into 1-1/2-inch lengths (about 2 quarts)
Grated zest of 1-1/2 lemons
RECIPE METHOD
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the
onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5
minutes. Stir in the carrots, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring
occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the lentils, water, tomato paste, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring
occasionally, until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the broccoli
rabe until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain.
Stir the lemon zest into the soup. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup
into bowls and top each serving with some of the broccoli rabe.
VARIATIONS:
Omit the broccoli rabe. Shred ten ounces of raw spinach, escarole, or
Swiss chard leaves and stir them into the soup five minutes before it*s
done.
The lentil soup is also delicious on its own, without any greens at all.
WINE RECOMMENDATION: This is a great time to turn to an old friend,
Beaujolais. The wine*s frank fruitiness, soft texture, and lively
acidity will contrast with the lentils and will blunt the bitterness of
the broccoli rabe.
Recipe reprinted by permission of Food and Wine. All rights reserved.
Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.
~Angelique~
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