Lentil Minestra

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Do you sometimes start cooking and end up with something totally different? As a rule breaking-ologist, here’s a simple lentil soup that turned into a lentil minestra (peas, chicken, roasted red onions, sausage and arborio rice).

I kept adding layers:

When I started to the boil the lentils in a medium pot, I decided to add a container of chicken broth (from my freezer). I drained the lentils (after a minute on the stove), and added the chicken broth to a large pot.

The fresh chicken in the refrigerator ended up in the pot too! I simmered for an hour and then turned off the heat. I removed the chicken from the pot (to de-bone and add back to the minestra).

On my way home from running a few errands, I stopped at my favorite Italian deli (Russo’s) and bought fresh crusty Italian bread, a piece of parmigiano cheese and fresh Italian sausage.

I roasted the Italian sausage (make sure you poke them with a fork) and added two red onions (cut in slices) for thirty minutes. I added the roasted onions and sausage(cut into chunks) to the pot. I prepared arborio rice (al dente) and added to the pot. Not to mention, I also added a bag of frozen peas!

I sauteed for additional 5-7 minutes and it was ready to serve. I added freshly grated parmigiano cheese, black pepper and a few pinches of red chili flakes (optional). The finishing touches of fresh crusty Italian bread and red wine to our rustic dinner with friends.

a presto,

maria

Pasta with Porchini Mushrooms and Fresh Italian Sausage

It happens to the best of us! I got a little intimidated when I decided to cook a bowl of pasta to my wonderful friends from Rome (they are great cooks)!

I added porchini mushrooms to my simple tomatoe sauce while I slow cooked fresh Italian sausage and chicken breasts.

Just before I was ready to serve….I pulled a “Ralph Cramden” – getting a little stage fright…… A reminder that “if” it happens to you, take a deep breath and tell yourself that you poured a lot of love into the pot!

After serving my pasta, my friends cheered: Complimenti Maria! Brava! I had a sip of red wine and with a toast with my guests: Buon Venuti and Buon Appetito!

Maria!

ps – my apologies…..forgot my camera but will post this tasty dish, photo and proper recipe measurements soon!