Copyright 2009, Maria Liberati
A Happy New Year or Tanti Auguri (Best Wishes)! For the luckiest New Year, legend has it here, you must partake of lentils ,12 pomegranate seeds, 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. These foods are all supposed to bring Good Fortune in the New Year, surely they will bring good health. Lentil soup is quick and easy, so you still have time to prepare this healthy and delicious traditional soup.
Lentil Soup (Zuppa di Lenticchie)
2 cups dried lentils
3-4 Tbsps olive oil
2 garlic cloves
2 slices of onion
2 carrots, whole
1 stick celery, whole
1 small can plum tomatoes (liquid drained)
1 cup water or as necessary
1 small branch of fresh rosemary
Soak dried lentils in bowl of water overnight, drain. In large pan saute garlic cloves and onion slices in olive oil till golden, place in plum tomatoes, drained. Saute for 2 minutes. Add in lentils, water, whole carrots, whole celery, 1 stick of rosemary. Cook like this for approximately 20 minutes or until soup has thickened. Add more water if soup becomes too thick. Serve over homemade crostini (see below recipe).
Crostini
6 slices crusty bread toasted
1 tsp Tuscan Spice Blend or oregano and thyme
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Place bread on cookie sheet, drizzle olive oil on top, sprinkle with spices. Heat under broiler until golden. Turn over and do the same to the other side. When finished, remove and place at bottom of soup bowls. Spoon soup on top while still hot and eat.
Maria
http://twitter.com/Marialiberati
