COMFORT

it's cold outside. life seems to be quite busy these days and i decide i need a little respite from it all, so i open up my pantry and see what will sooth the soul....LENTIL SOUP!!!. i decide to cook a hearty lentil soup for dinner, pour myself a glass of Macallan 12 year, and sit down to watch a film tonight. It's this kind of evening meal that truly sings COMFORT to me.

here is the recipe:

1 onion finely chopped
2 carrots finely chopped
3 stalks of celery finely chopped
2 red potatoes
8 cloves of garlic chopped
1 1/4 cups of lentils
3 Tbs tomato paste
1 cup of wine
15 oz can of crushed tomatoes
red chili flakes
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 quarts of vegetable stock
1/2 lemon
salt and pepper

Garnish:
chopped parsely
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
grated parm cheese

saute and sweat onion, carrots and celery. add garlic, bay leaf and chili flakes. add tomato paste, tomato sauce and wine. cook till sauce slightly reduces. add lentils, potatoes, vegetable stock and spices(coriander, cumin, and paprika). bring to a boil and simmer till lentils are al dente and soup reduces slightly. season to taste with lemon and salt & pepper. blend with immersion blender to desired consistency. add garnishes.

bon appetit.