Cream of Lentils

Cream of lentils is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for cold days. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Ingredients

• 250 g lentils (previously soaked, if necessary)
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 potato (optional, for a thicker consistency)
• 1 garlic clove
• Vegetable broth or water as needed
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Rosemary or thyme for flavoring (optional)
• Bread croutons for serving (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning and finely chopping the onion, carrot, and celery.
2. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the chopped vegetables until they become soft. Add the whole or crushed garlic clove, to be removed after cooking.
3. Add the well-drained and rinsed lentils, stir, and let them flavor for a couple of minutes.
4. If you decide to use the potato, peel it and cut it into small cubes, then add it to the pot along with the lentils.
5. Cover everything with vegetable broth or water, depending on availability. The amount of liquid should exceed the level of the lentils by a couple of centimeters.
6. Add the chosen aromatic herbs and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
7. Once cooked, remove the aromatic herbs and garlic, and use an immersion blender to reduce everything to a smooth cream. If necessary, add more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
8. Adjust with salt and pepper, and if desired, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil raw to enhance the flavors.
9. Serve hot accompanied by bread croutons or a drizzle of cream for those who prefer a creamier consistency.

Curiosities

Cream of lentils is a dish rich in proteins and fiber, great for including in vegetarian and vegan diets. Lentils are very versatile legumes that do not require soaking if they are of the hulled variety and, moreover, have a relatively short cooking time compared to other legumes. In Italy, especially during the winter period, cream of lentils is a much-appreciated comfort food for its ability to warm and satisfy.