French Lentil Soup W Smoked Paprika Recipes

SMOKY LENTIL STEW WITH LEEKS AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Rinse lentils. Put them in a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot and add 8 cups water. Pin a bay leaf to each onion half using a whole clove and add to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, add a large pinch of salt, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook with lid ajar for about 30 minutes, until soft. Turn off heat.
• Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to boil, and cook the potato slices until just done, about 10 minutes, then drain and spread out on a baking sheet to cool.
• Put 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is wavy, add leeks and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Let leeks cook briskly, stirring frequently until soft but still bright green, about 5 to 8 minutes. Turn heat to medium, stir in chopped garlic, thyme, pimentón and cayenne.
• Add saffron and soaking water, the chopped tomato and vinegar. Turn heat to high and let everything simmer for a few minutes. Pour contents of skillet into Dutch oven with lentils. Add the reserved potatoes.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook covered with lid ajar for about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cook for 10 more minutes. The lentils will be quite soft and the potatoes will start to break. Discard onion and thyme sprig.
• Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and chopped parsley, if you wish.

RED LENTIL SOUP WITH SMOKED PAPRIKA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat, and add the onion, celery, carrots, and bell pepper. Reduce the heat, season with salt and pepper, and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until wilted and starting to color. Add both paprikas and the cumin, and briefly toast until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the wine, and once it has bubbled away, add the tomatoes, season again with salt, and stir well. Cook until most of the tomato juices have reduced, about 3 minutes.
• Add the lentils, 2 1/2 quarts water, the saffron, and the sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium-low heat until the lentils are completely tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Give the soup a few pulses with an immersion blender to create a creamy but still chunky texture. Add the lemon juice and check the seasoning. Serve with a dollop of yogurt and herb leaves.