Aunt Bee’s Lentil Soup
Description:
This delightful lentil soup recipe hails from a cherished cookbook associated with the timeless Andy Griffith Show, featuring the beloved character Aunt Bee. Renowned for its heartwarming flavors, this soup is a testament to classic comfort food at its finest.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal 🍲
Keywords: Pork, Lentil, Beans, Meat, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Weeknight, Stove Top, Less than 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive 💡
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 186.3
- Fat Content: 11g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 23.1mg
- Sodium Content: 926.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 13.5g
- Fiber Content: 4.5g
- Sugar Content: 4.6g
- Protein Content: 9.2g
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Smoked sausage | 1 |
| Lentils | 1 cup |
| Onion | 1 |
| Celery | 1/2 cup |
| Carrot | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/8 tsp |
| Oregano | 2 1/2 tsp |
| Tomato paste | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Water | 1 quart |
| Tomatoes | 8 |
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe.
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris and drain well.
- Dice the onion, celery, and carrot into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
-
Cooking:
- In a large stockpot, combine the smoked sausage, lentils, diced onion, celery, carrot, salt, oregano, tomato paste, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Final Touch:
- After the initial cooking time, add the diced tomatoes to the soup.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and infuse their essence into the soup.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
-
Serving:
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Enjoy this hearty and comforting lentil soup as a nourishing meal any day of the week!
Chef’s Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the smoked sausage and use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth of flavor.
- Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.
- Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of Aunt Bee’s Lentil Soup, a timeless recipe that promises warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, this hearty soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
