Lentil Soup

An Italian New Year’s Eve Food Tradition
Contributed by Teresa

Behind the Dish

On New Year’s Eve, eating lentils at midnight in my home was a tradition I grew up with. Our family would gather around the table, waiting to usher in the New Year. Everyone would be talking about what they would do in the New Year. Italian music would be playing, with cousins dancing and laughing. Aunts and uncles would be talking or playing cards and there would be the smell of lentil soup cooking. We were told that lentils bring good luck – that they symbolize longevity because they are long-lasting. Lentils also represent prosperity because they resemble ancient gold coins.

At midnight we would open the front door and let in the New Year by banging on pots to let everyone know that the New Year had started. This soup was served as an appetizer before the main meal.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• ½ bag Goya brown lentils, washed

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil

• ¼ lb. sausage, chopped

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 stalk celery, chopped

• 1 carrot stick, chopped

• 1 tsp. minced garlic

• 1 chicken bouillon cube

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Heat oil in a medium saucepan.

Stir in sausage, onion, celery, carrot and garlic and cook until tender.

Add 4 cups of water, the lentils, and the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover the pot and simmer until lentils are tender and the soup gets thick. Add more hot water if necessary.