Crostini di lenticchie

1 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsGood olive oil
1mediumOnion, chopped
2Ribs celery, chopped
1smallCarrot, grated
1Clove garlic, minced
½Red bell pepper, chopped
cupLentils
cupChicken broth
¼teaspoonCrumbled basil
1teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonBlack pepper
1smallBay leaf
Toasted Italian bread
Grated Fontina cheese

Directions

In a large sauce pan heat oil and saute chopped veggies until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Add lentils and broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and add basil, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Simmer until lentils are very soft, about 50 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and puree in a food processor until very smooth. Let cool to room temp.

Mound on lightly toasted Italian bread and sprinkle with Fontina (if you want a little color, a strip of roasted red pepper looks good).

Run under a preheated broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly. The lentil puree keeps well, bring to room temp if refrigerated.