Today we want to share with you another fasting recipe from Mount Athos - Athonite lentil soup. High in nutritional value, simple to prepare with an exquisite taste, this traditional Mediterranean dish is the best way to promote healthier eating habits.
Ingredients:
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 pound green lentils, rinsed
2 whole bay leaves
1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
500 g Tomatoes, Fresh or Canned
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
2–3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional)
In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and sauté until the onions start to soften and become translucent about 6 minutes. Add the bay leaves and pepper flakes to the onion and garlic. Sauté a minute longer until the spices become fragrant.
Add the lentils, tomatoes, and enough water so that the ingredients are covered by 3 inches of liquid in the pot.
Turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil, then simmer the soup half-covered with a lid for about 40 minutes until the lentils are tender and the soup is thick. If you feel that the soup is too thick, add more water.
At the end of cooking add 1-2 Tbs. olive oil and stir to incorporate.
The Athonite lentil soup is ready.
