Bowl of Lentil & Mushroom Soup
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Lentil & Mushroom Soup


Italy   -   Zuppa di Lenticchie e Funghi
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 8 cups
***
1 day
Yes		 This substantial soup with strong mushroom flavor can serve as a soup course or as a main dish soup with a salad.




1
3/4
7
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6
4
2
4
1-1/2
2
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2
2
6
2
1/2
c
oz
oz
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oz
oz
cl
oz
oz
T
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T
c
t
t
Lentils (1)
Porcini (2)
Mushrooms (3)
-- Vegies
Tomatoes
Onion, Red
Garlic
Carrots
Celery
Parsley
--------
Bay Leaves
Olive Oil ExtV
Water / Broth (4)  
Salt
Pepper
Prep   -   (45 min)
  1. Soak PORCINI in 2 cups of hot water for 30 minutes. Drain, reserving liquid. Strain liquid through cloth and set aside. Chop Porcini fine and return to strained liquid.
  2. Cut MUSHROOMS in half (or thirds if really large) and slice at 90 degrees about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Scald TOMATOES one minute in boiling water. Quench in cold water and peel. Chop small.
  4. Chop ONION fine. Crush GARLIC and chop fine, Dice CARROTS and CELERY 1/4 inch. Chop PARSLEY small. Mix all.
Run   -   (45 min)
  1. in a 4 quart sauce pan, heat Oil and fry Onion mix until vegies are softened but not browning.
  2. Stir in Mushrooms and fry stirring until they begin to give up their liquid.
  3. Stir in Water / Broth, Lentils, Porcini with liquid, and Bay Leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered until Lentils are tender.
  4. Adjust liquid if needed and season to taste with Salt and Pepper.
  5. Serve hot
NOTES:

  1. Lentils:

      I prefer small green lentils as they hold their shape with long cooking, but Brown Lentils can be used if you want a smoother effect.

  2. Porcini Dried Mushrooms:

      Many recipes replace these with a Vegetable Stock, and use about 10 ounces of fresh Mushrooms. This will result in a less mushroomy flavor. For details see our Fungus page.

  3. Mushrooms:

    Cremini, White Mushrooms, or Oyster Mushrooms can be used. For details see our Fungus page.

  4. Water / Broth:

      Many recipes in Italian ask for Vegetable Stock rather than plain water. Those that do don't include the Porcini and its liquid, but up the regular mushrooms to approximately 10 ounces. This will change the flavor substantially, so make your own choice here.

  5. Variations:

      Some recipes call for Rosemary instead of Parsley. A few recipes call for Potatoes. If used, about 4 ounces diced small and put in with Lentils. White Rose or similar work well in recipes of this sort. Avoid Klondike Gold type potatoes - they quickly turn to mush with long cooking. For details see our Potatoes page.
  6. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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