LentilPastaSoup

Lentil
and Pasta Soup
This is a great vegetarian soup and makes
a great lunch or supper. Serve with a crusty
Italian bread.
1 C. brown lentils
3 Garlic cloves, crushed
1 qt. water
3 TBS Olive Oil
2 TBS butter
1 Onion, minced
2 Celery stalks, minced
2 TBS Tomato paste
2 qt. Vegetable stock
1-3 TBS >>>Doc's Habañero
Heaven or
>>>Doc's Cool Nights
Marjoram leaves, fresh
1/4 tsp Basil
1/4 tsp Thyme
1/2 C small pasta shapes
Salt & Pepper
Put the lentils in a large saucepan. Add one of the garlic cloves
that has been mashed. Pour the water in and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat to a slow simmer and simmer for about 20 minutes,
stirring occasionally, until the lentils are just tender.
Rinse the lentils in cold water and leave them to drain. Heat 2
Tab of the oil with half the butter in a large saucepan. Add the
onion and celery and cook over low heat, for 5-7 minutes, stirring
frequently, until soft.
Crush the remaining garlic and peel and mash the reserved cooked garlic
clove. Stir into the vegetables with the remaining oil, the tomato
pasta and lentils. Add the stock, herbs, salt and pepper to
taste. Bring to a boil, stirring. Lower the heat and simmer
for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the pasta and bring to a boil, stirring. Simmer, stirring
frequently for 7-8 minutes, or according to the directions on the
package, until the pasta is al dente. Add the remaining butter,
Doc's sauce and
adjust the seasoning. Serve hot in warm bowls, garnish with
marjoram leaves.