Acqua Pazza / Crazy Water
Easy
Lentil Soup / Zuppa di Lenticchie
SERVES 6 TO 8
My dad remembers his mother’s (Nonna Saporito) endless use of lentils; lentil soup and lentils with sausage were two familiar dishes when he was growing up. I presoak lentils the night before making this soup; this step can be eliminated, but the cooking time will be longer. At the end of the cooking time, I add a tiny soup pasta called acini di pepe for added texture and taste. This is a thick, hearty soup, which keeps well and may need to be thinned the next day with a little water or broth.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups lentils
- 2 quarts water
- 1/4 cup Filippo Berio olive oil
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, with liquid
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup acini di pepe or pastina
- Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Place the lentils in a bowl, add water to cover, and soak overnight.
- INGREDIENTS
Directions
- Drain and discard the soaking water. Wash the lentils well in warm water, place in a soup pot, cover with the 2 quarts water, and bring to a boil. Add the oil, onion, celery, and tomatoes. Lower the heat and simmer the mixture, covered, for about 35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. (The cooking time will be about 1½ hours if the lentils were not presoaked.)
- Add salt, pepper, and the pasta. Cook for about 15 minutes longer, or until pasta is al dente. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, sprinkled with a little Pecorino Romano.
- Variation: Add pieces of cooked chicken or sausage to the soup along with the pasta.
This recipe was featured on Season 4 - Episode 410.
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Comments
Tonia
Could you add carrots to this.I love them.
Paul Lally, Executve Producer
Sure thing, carrots would add a nice touch of color to the soup. I suggest 1/2 cup shredded or finely diced.
Paula esposito
I watched the video on making the lentil soup in the crockpot but you did not say how long to cook it. Can you tell me how long in the crockpot as I would like to try it.
Thank you
Andrea Pirrotta
I remember being a kid & asking my mom to please make “lentils & macroni! Yum! Unfortunately, she’s gone now & I miss her very much. Thank you for the receipe. It’s close enough to hers. I don’t remember if it had tomatoes or not but I’ll give this a try and let you know. Caio Andrea
Madelyn Bradford
I enjoy your show very much and I want to make your Lentil Soup. I am 2nd generation Italiam and proud. Ciao
Lillian
Can this lentil soup be made in a regular pot, also can tomato sauce replace the whole tomatoes. Thank you