*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                          CROSTINI DI LENTICCHIE

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Italian                          Breads
                Appetizers

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2       tb           Good olive oil
   1       md           Onion, chopped
   2                    Ribs celery, chopped
   1       sm           Carrot, grated
   1                    Clove garlic, minced
     1/2                Red bell pepper, chopped
   1 1/2   c            Lentils
   3 1/2   c            Chicken broth
     1/4   ts           Crumbled basil
   1       t            Salt
     1/2   ts           Black pepper
   1       sm           Bay leaf
                        Toasted Italian bread
                        Grated Fontina cheese

  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.
 


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