Paris: Lentil Soup

"Soup provides a particular test of individual artistry. Anyone can make a passable soup by doing not much more than saving the juice in which meat has been boiled, but a master can ring more various and more subtle changes on soup than on almost any other single division of the bill of fare. A good way to find out how far to go in trusting an unknown French restaurant is to order soup before committing yourself on the main dish. If it produces a good soup, you are safe. It is a trustworthy touchstone."
Food of France by Waverly Root page 79

Because Paris is not really responsible for a specific regional cuisine. But rather for the invention and creation of the modern restaurant industry and the creation of Haut Cuisine. I chose to make the dish that sets Parisian restaurants apart from one another: soup.
I figured that every great Parisian restaurant has a signature soup so I better have one as well.

I love lentils (and I always have them on stock) so I though this would be a great place to begin.

 Lentil Soup

 2 cups lentils (I used brown but you can use any color as long as you adjust the water accordingly)

10 cups water
3 red potatoes
1 large onion
5 cloves garlic (or more)
1 heart of a cabbage (I only used the inner leaves but you could add more cabbage if desired)
Dried hot red pepper



Boil lentils with 5 cups water on high heat in a large pot. Cube potatoes and add to lentils as soon as the lentils have begun to soften, add 3 more cups of water. Chop the onions and garlic and sauté them in olive oil (in a separate pan). Once the potatoes and lentils are tender add the sautéed onions and let them simmer. Dice the cabbage and add to the soup once everything is cooked. The cabbage will only need a moment to soften up.

For seasoning use basil, oregano, hot peppers, salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve this warm with small chunks of white cheddar cheese. This will be very devious as the cheese melts into the soup. One could also serve with crème fraîche. DELIOUS!

Although this soup is no French onion soup, it is still very good and terrific to eat on a cold day.