posted by Fruffy 01-24-100 1:15 PM
Lentil Soup with a Hint of Fruit
by Molly Katzen
Preparation time: 45 minutes (10 minutes of work)
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
2 cups red or brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
8 cups water (maybe more)
2 cups minced onion
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup minced dried apricots
1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
3 to 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or, to taste)
Black pepper and cayenne to taste
Optional garnishes:
Extra slivers of dried apricot
A drizzle of yogurt or sour cream
A sprig or two of cilantro or parsley
Place the lentils and water in a soup pot or Dutch oven and bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes. Add the onion, cumin, and mustard, and continue to simmer, covered, until the lentils are very soft (about 15 more minutes). Add small amounts of additional water, if it seems too thick.
Add the garlic, apricots, and salt, cover, and let sit for another 15 minutes or so. Stir in the vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne to taste (and correct the salt too, if necessary). At this point the soup will keep for several days.
Heat gently just before serving, and serve hot, topped with a few slivers of dried apricot, a drizzle of yogurt, and a sprig of cilantro or parsley, if desired.