Francesca’s Lentil and Sausage Comfort Soup – My mom made the BEST lentil soup and it was perfect on a rainy or chilly day. This is pretty close to her secret, guarded recipe. It took a lot to get her to give up the info on her recipes, like her amazing meatballs HERE. (You won’t believe the ingredient that keeps her meatballs so moist. It’s so simple.) If you want the complete experience, end with some coffee and her biscottis. SO good.
INGREDIENTS
1 package lentils
2 TB olive oil
1 TB tomato paste
pinch of pink salt & white pepper
1 finely chopped shallot
1/2 tsp minced garlic
pinch thyme
pinch oregano
bay leaf
Sliced or diced fully cooked sausage – kielbasa, italian style brats etc
one potato medium dice
two carrots medium dice
grated pecorino romano
METHOD
Rinse lentils in colander, checking for pebbles
Heat pot to medium high
Add olive oil
Add tomato paste and let caramelize until deep red
Add shallot and garlic and saute for a minute
Add lentils and let them pick up the flavors for a minute or two
Add everything else except cheese.
Fill with water to just cover mixture, adding a little water as needed.
Simmer for about an hour until lentils are soft.
Serve with Pecorino Romano, finely grated in warm bowls with crusty bread, for dipping. I hope you enjoy Francesca’s Lentil and Sausage Comfort Soup.
