shiitake lentil stew

Spring is coming! Until we can see the gardens from beneath the three feet of late season Vermont snow, we use the last of the root cellar and pantry stock to make soup that warms the soup. Try cooking it on the wood stove if you have one. Shitake mushrooms lend an extra hand to helping our immune systems stay healthy through this slow transition into spring.

SHIITAKE, CABBAGE AND LENTIL STEW

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 small to medium yellow or red onion, chopped

• 1 large or 2 medium carrots, cut in ½-inch dice

• Salt to taste

• 3 to 4 large garlic cloves, minced

• ½ medium cabbage, cored and chopped

• a handful of shitake mushrooms, brushed free of dirt and chopped

• 1 teaspoon each: thyme, oregano, cumin, coriander

• 1/4½pound lentils, rinsed

• 2 quarts water

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

• Freshly ground pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)

• Freshly grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Heat the oil over medium heat in a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, and add the onion and carrot. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are just about tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, shiitakes, and cabbage, along with another generous pinch of salt. 

Cook, stirring, just until the garlic smells fragrant and the cabbage has begun to wilt, about 3 minutes. Add spices and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir in the lentils and water and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, season to taste with salt, about 2 teaspoons to begin with (you will probably add more), cover and simmer 1 hour, until the lentils are tender and the broth fragrant.