Winter Lentil Soup

Kana Okada

Serves 6 Hands-On Time: 20m Total Time: 1hr 00m

Ingredients

4 leeks, white and light green parts only
1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained
6 cups water
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/2 cup brown lentils
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 fresh basil leaves (optional)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Parmesan (optional)

Directions

Slice each leek in half lengthwise, then slice each half into ¼-inch-thick half-moons (about 2 cups). Place in a large bowl of cold water and swish to remove any grit. Drain and pat dry. Remove the stems from the kale. Stack the leaves on top of one another and slice them crosswise into ½-inch-wide strips; you'll need 3 cups.
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook for 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, breaking them up with a spoon, for 5 minutes.
Add the water and bring to a boil. Stir in the kale, sweet potatoes, lentils, thyme, salt, pepper, and basil (if using). Simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Spoon into individual bowls. Sprinkle with the Parmesan (if using).

By Sara Quessenberry, March 2006

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Quick Tip

You can substitute brown lentils, which retain their shape better during cooking than pricier red and yellow lentils; or green lentils, which taste slightly peppery.