Paging Mama

[ricksrealpitbbq]

I've got a hankerin for lentil soup, show me what ya got

[Mama Mangia]

with or without a ham bone? sausage??? pancetta?? crockpot?? soup pot??

pick through and clean lentils

chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped carrot, minced garlic, water or chicken broth (I prefer chicken broth - can use vegetable stock) tomatoes (canned or fresh) or a dollop of tomato paste are optional as well, salt, parsley, pepper, bayleaf (optional)

crockpot - all goes in

pancetta? saute with onions, carrots and celery in soup pot, add lentils, broth, tomatoes, season - simmer till done

ham bone or sausage - do the boil routine with onions, celery, carrots, skim, add the rest

I do not soak my lentils - some do - I don't

variation - can add chestnuts or water chestnuts

[ricksrealpitbbq]

I think I'll go with sausage and do it in a crock pot. How much time do you think, approximately ?

[Mama Mangia]

I fry my sausage first - habit - but on low - depending on the age of the crockpot (the models from the more recent years are newer and cook faster than the old ones from the 70's) if I use my old ne from the 70's (3 1/2 quart) it takes a good 6 hours - if I use my newer 6-qt. on high - 3 to 4 depending on how much I am making

[ricksrealpitbbq]

Thanks Mama, Sounds like a nice Saturday morning adventure. I'll post pics when it's done. Kevin would be disappointed if I didn't

[Mama Mangia]

You're welcomed - it's a nice tummy warmer in this weather too! We had it last week.