Oliviers and Co.'s Provencal Three-Grain Soup

This recipe comes from Patricia Wells' book, The Paris Cookbook -- a book given to me by my dear friend Terry probably 20-25 years ago and which I still reference today. And every time I walk by the book on my shelf, I think of him. Which is a story to reflect on as you consider gifting or re-gifting cookbooks to friends.

Soups are, for me, notoriously challenging to photograph. This blog is only for fun and for friends -- I don't have a whole set-up for photographs in my kitchen. I'm often just capturing something from my phone as it moves from stove to table. For this soup, I didn't even try to photograph it while it was steaming, so what you're seeing here is the leftover version, where it has thickened slightly. Still delicious!

Oliviers and Co.'s Provencal Three-Grain Soup
The Paris Cookbook
Patricia Wells

1/3 c spelt, whole
1/3 c pearl barley
1/3 c lentils du puy
1 T olive oil
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp thyme, dried
3 leeks, minced
2 carrots, peeled, cubed
1 28-oz can plum tomato, with juice
5 c stock
1 head garlic, halved

Place spelt, barley, and lentils in a sieve and rinse. Drain and set aside.

In a soup pot, combine oil, bay leaves, thyme, leeks, carrots, and 1 tsp salt. Sweat by cooking, covered, over low heat without coloring -- about 5 minutes.

Add canned tomatoes (with liquid). Add 5 c stock ot water. Bring to a boil over moderate heat.

Add grains and garlic. Stir and simmer, covered, until tender, about 45 minutes.

Remove and discard bay leaves. Taste for seasoning. Serve hot.

Comments

Mayocoba Beans with Green Chiles

I love this dish so much that I can barely stand it. Delicious the night it was made, and fantastic as leftovers throughout the week. Mayocoba beans are easily replaced -- try pintos, if you can't find mayocobas. Mayocoba Beans with Green Chiles Baptism of Fire 3-4 green chiles, roasted and chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 T lard or olive oil 1/2 tsp oregano 1 tsp cumin pepper 1 c mayocoba beans, dry 3 c water 1 tsp salt Cook the green chiles, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, and black pepper in the fat until the onions begin to caramelize. Add the water and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the beans sit, uncovered, for an hour. You may drain the water to remove some of the slightly indigestible sugars that cause gassiness. If you decide to drain them, add enough water back into the pot to cover the beans with about 2" of water above the beans for cooking. Bring the beans back to a boil and cook, until tender. This will take...

Curried Chicken Soup

I made this soup so often in the 1990s, but frankly had forgotten about it. Flipping through this cookbook, I found this recipe and was flooded with memories. When I was in grad school, this soup was my "feeling decadent" food and reminded me of something people might eat after hitting the slopes -- a thing I have never done. A few decades long, and with a lot more experience with cooking, I realize that this is basically a chicken curry with a thin sauce and the rice already in the meal -- but don't let that in any way discourage you! It's delicious as is and is a wonderful take on what is otherwise chicken and rice soup. I have become a fan of using rotisserie chickens, especially during the pandemic. They are so cheap, and I can use the meat in a soup like this on the day-of grocery shopping, and, crunch the bones down for the freezer for making stock in the future. Of course, this soup can be made with a fresh chicken, but I have modified the recipe bel...

Garlicky Spiced Chicken and Potato Traybake with Pomegranate Molasses

This was delightful. Particularly the potatoes. While I had used pomegranate molasses before, I hadn't anticipated liking this as much as I did. I think the difference is in the quality of the molasses. Previously, I had used an economical version, which was much to sweet, much too sticky. I highly recommend splurging on a higher quality ingredient. Garlicky Spiced Chicken and Potato Traybake with Pomegranate Molasses Milk Street 1/4 olive oil 2 tsp pomegranate molasses 1 T allspice 1 tsp coriander 3/4 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp cardamon salt and pepper 3 lb chicken , bone-in, skin on, trimmed and patted dry 1 1/2 lb potatoes , unpeeled, in 1 1/2" wedges 8 cloves garlic , peeled parsley , to serve In a large bowl, stir together the oil, molasses, allspice, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, 4 teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Put chicken and potatoes on a large tray. Toss with the sauce. Add garlic cloves. Heat the oven to 450°F. Roast until the thi...

Donut Army

Search This Blog