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Title: Chestnut-And-Lentil Soup
Categories: Soup Vegetarian
Yield: 6 Servings

1lbChestnuts
  Light oil
1cFrench green lentils =OR=- Brown Lentils
2qtWater
1mdCarrot diced into small, even squares
1 Celery stalk cut into small squares
1/2smOnion; finely diced
1lgGarlic clove peeled and finely chopped
1 Bay leaf
1/2tsSalt; or to taste
5 Parsley sprigs
FINISHING THE SOUP
3tbLight olive oil Chestnuts (from above)
1 1/2tsChopped fresh marjoram -OR-
1/2ts-Dried Marjoram
1/4tsFennel seeds, crushed (or ground)
  Fresh thyme sprigs; -=OR=-
1pn-(generous) dried Thyme
1/2cDry white wine
1tbTomato paste Lentils (from above)
  Water, stock or cream (as needed)
  Salt
  Freshly milled black pepper
  Extra-virgin olive oil
  Finely chopped parsley
  Small croutons, fried (in butter or oil) (optional)

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350F. Score chestnuts on their rounded sides and toss them in just enough oil to lightly coat them. Place chestnuts on baking sheet. Bake until skins have opened and meat is tender, about 20 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel and dice them into small pieces. Set aside. Rinse lentils and combine them in soup pot with the water. Bring to boil. Cook a few minutes at gentle boil, removing foam that forms on surface. Add carrot, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt and parsley. Lower heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 35 minutes. When done, remove parsley sprigs and bay leaf. Correct seasoning and add salt, if necessary. Puree half the lentils until smooth, then recombine them with the rest. FINISHING THE SOUP: In pan large enough to hold soup, warm olive oil, then add roasted chestnuts and herbs. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for several minutes. Add wine and tomato paste. Stir to dissolve tomato paste and cook a few minutes to reduce wine. Stir in lentil mixture and simmer gently 20 minutes. If soup is too thick, thin it with a little water, stock or cream until of right consistency. Taste for salt and season with pepper. Serve with spoonful of olive oil swirled into each bowl. Sprinkle with parsley and croutons, if desired.

DEBORAH MADISON - PRODIGY GUEST CHEFS COOKBOOK --- =========================================================================== BBS: COLOSSUS Date: 11-19-92 (14:39) Number: 1945 From: KAREN MINTZIAS Refer#: NONE To: ALL Recvd: NO Subj: Madison 8 Conf: (125) COOK

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