Lentil Soup, or Lenticchie

In Italy two major types of lentils are grown.  They are grown primarily in the regions of Sicily and Puglia.

This is a traditional New Year's Eve recipe will is supposed to bring you good fortunes!

Ingredients
2 cups dried lentils
2 quarts water
1 ham bone or smoke neck bones
2 lg. carrots, chopped
1 lg. onion, chopped
2 stalks celery & leaves, chopped
1 bay leaf
2 garlic cloves, peeled & quartered
6 good grinds of fresh pepper
1 tsp. salt
1/2 lb. Kielbasi sausage, diced

Wash lentils and pick over. Drain. Put in large kettle with remaining ingredients except sausage. Bring soup to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Meanwhile, during last 10 minutes of cooking hour dice sausage and saute in skillet in a little heated oil until golden brown on all sides. Remove ham bone and bay leaf from soup. Garnish each serving with diced cooked sausage. Serves 8. For thinner soup, add additional 2 cups of water.