Lentil Soup With Garden Vegetables (Zuppa Di Lenticchie Agli Aro

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• plus more for serving
• 1 bunch flat leaf parsley
• minced (fresh)
• 1 celery heart
• finely chopped
• 2 anchovy fillets
• minced
• 2 12 cups green lentils
• picked over and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
• 1 cup cooked sausage (optional)
• 1 cup cooked chestnuts (optional)
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• to taste
• 6 slices country bread
• toasted

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tbsps.
2. of olive oil on medium flame.
3. Add the parsley, celery and anchovies to it.
4. Saute until the veggies are soft i.e.
5. for about 8 minutes.
6. Add the lentils and water to cover by 2 inches.
7. Bring to a gentle boil.
8. Lower heat, cover and simmer until the lentils are tender i.e.
9. for about 40 minutes to 1 hour.
10. Add the rice, sausage and chestnuts and heat to serving temperature.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Note: You may not require salt as the anchovies are salty.
13. Put a slice of toasted bread in each bowl.
14. Ladle the soup over the top.
15. Drizzle with olive oil.
16. Serve immediately.
17. Enjoy!