Preparation

Make the soup: Rinse the lentils, pick them over, and set aside.

Warm 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a 2-quart pot with the onion, rosemary, parsley, garlic, and chili. Cook 10 minutes over medium heat, or until the onion is translucent. Add the tomato, lentils, and broth, season with the salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Cook 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Make the bread: Heat a grill pan over high heat for 5 minutes and toast the bread until browned lightly on both sides, turning once, about 2 minutes per side. Rub the bread lightly with the garlic. Drizzle with the olive oil. Divide the bread among 4 bowls.

This delicious soup was prepared by Umbrian chef Angelo Maria Franchini at NYC Rustico Cooking school as a part of the Monini tasting, during which we had the opportunity to taste the season’s fresh pressed olive oil direct from Spoleto, Umbria; this amazingly fragrant olive oil goes by the name Il Monello. The clean flavors of the soup are a perfect vehicle for showcasing fruity extra-virgin olive oil.

The chef

Angelo Maria Franchini

Spoleto born Chef ANGELO MARIA FRANCHINI started his first stint in the kitchen as a helper and line cook, learning secrets from many well-known and skilled chefs at fine dining restaurants including Angelo Paracucchi, Gino Angelini and other leading Italian trend setters. Chef Angelo has consulted with many top Italian Restaurants in various International Hotel chains in Italy, Europe, UK, United Arab Emirates, Asia, USA, Canada and Africa.

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