PASTA AND LENTIL SOUP

Pasta and Lentil Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Ingredients

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/2 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus 1 piece cheese rind (optional)
8 ounces orecchiette or other small pasta
2 14-ounce cans lentils (1 undrained; 1 drained and rinsed)
1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
Kosher salt
Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Steps:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is slightly soft, about 2 minutes. Remove 1 tablespoon of the flavored oil and set aside. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Add the chicken broth, 4 cups water and the cheese rind, if using. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add the lentils along with the liquid from one of the cans; reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the pasta is tender, 10 to 12 more minutes. Meanwhile, whisk 1 tablespoon parsley and 1 tablespoon water into the reserved flavored oil. Stir 1/4 cup parmesan and the remaining parsley into the soup; remove the cheese rind (if using) and add salt to taste. Ladle into bowls; drizzle with the flavored oil and top with the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan. Serve with bread, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 675, Fat 29 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Cholesterol 48 milligrams, Sodium 918 milligrams, Carbohydrate 72 grams, Fiber 17 grams, Protein 30 grams