Warm lentil soup with pancetta is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This classic Italian soup is packed with lentils, pancetta, vegetables, and spices, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal. The addition of pancetta adds a smoky and savory flavor to the soup, while the lentils provide a boost of protein and fiber. Topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, this warm lentil soup with pancetta is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Let's cook with our recipes!
LENTIL SOUP WITH PANCETTA
Provided by Sarah Walker Caron
Time 1h35m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a stockpot set over medium heat, brown the pancetta (about 7-10 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta from the stockpot to a bowl, leaving the rendered fat.
- Add the onions, carrots and red pepper to the book. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened. The onions should be translucent (about 7-8 minutes).
- Stir the garlic, thyme, rosemary, tumeric, salt and pepper into the pan. Let cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes with their juices, lentils and water to the pan. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 1 hour.
- Stir the pancetta back into the pot. Enjoy.
WARM LENTIL SOUP WITH PANCETTA
Steps:
- Sauté pancetta in heavy large pot over medium-high heat until crisp and brown. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain (do not clean pot). Spoon 1 tablespoon drippings into medium skillet and reserve.
- Add celery, onion, carrot, bacon, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme to remaining drippings in pot and sauté until vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes. Add lentils and stir 1 minute. Add 10 cups broth; bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until lentils are soft, about 1 hour. Discard bay leaves and garlic. Using slotted spoon, transfer 2 cups lentils to small bowl; cover and reserve. Working in batches, puree remaining soup until almost smooth. Return to pot. Add cream and vinegar. Thin with more broth to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reheat pancetta drippings in reserved skillet over medium-high heat. Add green onions; sauté until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Divide soup among bowls. Spoon lentils in center of each bowl, dividing equally. Garnish with pancetta and green onions and serve.
- *Pancetta, Italian bacon cured in salt, is available at Italian markets, some specialty foods stores, and some supermarkets.
LENTIL SOUP WITH LEMON, PANCETTA, AND MINT
One of those soups that doubles as a main course, earthy, filling, and beefy. The soup relies on the onion to add depth and body.
Yield enough for 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Peel the onions and chop them finely, cook them over medium to low heat with a little olive oil, the sliced garlic, and the diced bacon. It should all be golden and fragrant. Chop the parsley and stir it in.
- Wash the lentils thoroughly, then stir them into the onions and bacon. Pour over the stock or water and bring to a boil, skimming off any froth that comes to the surface. You can add a bay leaf or two if you like. Decrease the heat so that the lentils simmer merrily, then almost cover the pot with a lid and leave until they are tender but far from collapse-about thirty minutes, depending on your lentils.
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and tear it up a bit. While it is still wet and dripping, put it into a shallow pan over high heat and shut the lid tightly-you need to cook it in its own steam. After a minute or two it will be limp and bright emerald green. Lift it out, squeeze it dry, then divide it among four warm bowls.
- Season the soup with salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and the torn mint leaves, tasting as you go. Ladle the hot soup on top of the spinach and serve with more lemon and mint for those who want it.
LENTILS WITH PANCETTA
Smaller lentils (like Castellucio) are preferred for this. Also, do not yield to the temptation to eat it hot; let the flavors meld and mellow for an hour or two. Adapted from Molto Gusto by Mario Batali and Mark Ladner, as reprinted by Caroline Russock at Serious Eats http://bit.ly/bjfQ92
Provided by DrGaellon
Categories Lentil
Time 45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place the lentils in a medium pot. Add water to cover by 2" and bring to a simmer. Add the carrot, onion, celery, mustard and pancetta, and simmer until lentils are just tender, about 20 minutes. Remove and reserve 1/4 cup of cooking liquid; drain and discard the rest.
- Remove and discard the vegetables. Remove the pancetta, chop coarsely and return to the lentils. Add just enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten the lentils, then add oil, salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature 1-2 hours to meld the flavors. (Can be refrigerated up to 3 days, but serve at room temperature.).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 99.5, Fat 4.9, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 70.7, Carbohydrate 10.8, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 2.1, Protein 4
Tips
- For a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the pancetta and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you don't have pancetta, you can use bacon or even diced ham.
- To make the soup ahead of time, cook the lentils and vegetables according to the recipe instructions. Then, let the soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the soup over medium heat until warmed through.
- To freeze the soup, let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several hours. Then, reheat the soup over medium heat until warmed through.
- Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Conclusion
This warm lentil soup with pancetta is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for a cold winter day. The lentils are a good source of protein and fiber, and the pancetta adds a smoky flavor to the soup. The vegetables add sweetness and nutrition, and the chicken broth makes the soup rich and flavorful. This soup is sure to become a family favorite.
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