Active Time: N/ATotal Time1 HR 30 MIN
Yield: Serves : 6
Whipped cream flavored with coffee brings an unexpected but welcome layer of earthiness to this creamy lentil soup. Crispy bacon and mushrooms, plus a slice of toasted brioche, will transport you to the bistros of Bordeaux. Gently cooking the lentils just past tender and then giving them a quick puree in the blender yields a silky consistency—no strainer required.
Ingredients
LENTIL VELOUTÉ
- 5 fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 2 fresh bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 yellow onions (about 1 pound 4 ounces), chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 10 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups dried green lentils
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
CABBAGE AND MUSHROOMS
- 2 thick-cut bacon slices, cut into 1/4-x 1-inch lardons (about 1/3 cup)
- 8 ounces fresh shiitake mushroom caps, sliced (about 6 cups)
- 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
COFFEE WHIPPED CREAM
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee, chilled
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS
- 3 brioche slices, toasted and quartered
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Microgreens, for garnish (optional)
How to Make It
Step 1 Make the lentil velouté
Tie together parsley sprigs, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves with kitchen twine to create a bouquet garni; set aside. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium. Add onions and 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is slightly softened, about 1 minute. Add 10 cups water, lentils, and bouquet garni. Bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until lentils are very tender, about 45 minutes.
Step 2 While lentils cook, make the cabbage and mushrooms
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high, stirring often, until bacon is crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain; reserve drippings in skillet. Add mushrooms, cabbage, butter, salt, and pepper to bacon drippings in skillet, and cook, stirring often, until mushrooms are lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in bacon.
Step 3 While lentils continue to cook, make the coffee whipped cream
Beat cream, coffee, and salt with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes.
Step 4
When lentils are tender, discard bouquet garni. Transfer half of lentil mixture to a blender. Add cream, butter, pepper, and remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons salt. Secure lid on blender, and remove center piece to allow steam to escape. Place a clean towel over opening, and process mixture until very smooth, about 1 minute. Pour mixture into a large bowl. Transfer remaining half of lentil mixture to blender, and process until very smooth. Add to mixture in bowl, and stir well until combined.
Step Step 5
To serve, ladle soup into bowls. Top evenly with cabbage and mushrooms. Divide toasted brioche among bowls; add a dollop of coffee whipped cream to each. Drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with microgreens, if desired.
Make Ahead
Suggested Pairing
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