Hungarian Lentil Soup

This lentil soup recipe is based on a traditional Hungarian recipe which uses paprika for flavor. We eat it on New Years day to symbolize good financial fortune for the coming year. We can do it too!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, diced
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1, 700g jar passata (tomato sauce)
• 1.5L (6 cups) chicken stock
• 300g (1, 1/2 cups) lentils - soaked, rinsed and drained
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 200ml (3/4 cup) white wine
• Small handful chopped fresh parsley
• 60g 1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese

Method

1. In a large stockpot, fry the onions in oil until they are transparent. Stir in garlic, paprika, celery, carrots, and fry further 10 minutes.
2. Stir in passata, chicken stock, lentils, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Stir well, then add the wine and bring the mixture to the boil. Cook for 1 hour on low to medium heat, or until the lentils are tender.
3. Sprinkle the soup with parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving. 

(Source:allrecipes.com)