I promised to post this lentil soup recipe. This is my family’s recipe. It is a tradition to serve this on New Year’s right after the date changes. The coin shapes of many ingredients bring riches in the New Year.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb bag of lentils
1 medium onion, diced
3 or 4 carrots, cut into coins
2 or 3 celery stalks, cut crosswise into 1/4” slices
2 large potatoes (optional)
1 Tbsp salt
28 oz can crushed or diced tomatoes
Rosemary
Black pepper
Thyme
Sage
1 tsp minced garlic
Salt
Water
10 oz frozen peas
1-3 lbs. hot dogs, cut into coins
Pour 1 cup of lentils into a Dutch oven, 5.5 quarts or larger.
Add 3 cups water
Heat on high
Add the salt, onion, carrots celery and potatoes, if using
Bring to boil, then lower heat to medium
Simmer until potatoes, carrots, onions and celery are soft
Add tomatoes, rosemary, sage, pepper, thyme and garlic
Taste for salt. Add more salt, as needed.
Add the peas
Bring back to boil, then lower heat to medium or low
Simmer 30 minutes. Stir and check occasionally to make sure there’s enough liquid to avoid sticking and burning
Taste again and add salt if needed
Stir in the hot dogs
Continue to simmer to heat the hot dogs through
Serve
Notes:
- Traditionally, this is made with less liquid and with a sausage called cotechino instead of hot dogs. The recipe here is the version my Mom adjusted for us kids. When I make this on a day other than New Year’s I often add frozen Italian meatballs from Costco when I add the tomatoes, herbs and water and leave out the hot dogs. This is also great without any meat.
- Sometimes, you need to sort through the lentils, to remove small stones. I haven’t found any stones for many years (it used to be very common), but it’s a good idea to check
- I usually use San Marzano or Jersey tomatoes
- I don’t use potatoes
- The amount of veggies you use is up to you. Sometimes I add a bag of spinach – you might have to clean the spinach and cut off any long stems
- Other possible additional ingredients: 1-2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 cup red wine, 1-2 Tbsp pesto. This is up to you.
- I have never made this in a slow cooker or instant pot, so I have no recommendations for those
- Some people puree this soup, but I’m not a fan
- Even better the next day
- I hope you enjoy it!
That looks great! I would have never thought of the hot dogs. The only change that I would make would be to leave out the peas, especially if you’re likely to have leftovers. They get really mushy when they sit in the broth. I would cook them separately and would add them to the soup as a garnish at the table.
Looks great! I enjoy lentil soup, it’s one bean that everyone can agree on!
Blessings,
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Looks delicious! Thanks for the recipe! [Btw I am confused– are Becca and Kate the same person? Becca’s website is not finished. What’s the goal here? Thanks for clarifiying.]
Sounds like a perfect recipe to feed your soul on for a rainy day.