Linsen Mit Spätzle ~ Lentils With Spätzle

Linsem mit Spätzle

Lentils With Spätzle

A real German comfort food, Lentils With Spatzle. The combination 

of vinegar and just a touch of sugar gives it its famous sweet-sour flavor balance. Coupled with smoky bacon and flavorful veggies, it's served over Spätzle and often with a sausage for a favorite comfort dish throughout southern Germany.

Ingredients:

5 slices thick bacon, diced

1 large yellow onion, finely diced

t tablespoon butter,

1 carrot, finely diced

1 leek finely chopped, and thoroughly rinsed and drained

1 pound dried brown lentils

7 cups beef broth 

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon salt, 

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon white sugar

1/4 cup white vinegar

3 tablespoons chopped parsley

Homemade or purchased spatzle

Directions:

Cook the bacon over medium high heat until done (for best flavor do not drain the grease).  Add the onions and cook until Translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.Add the butter, carrots, and leeks, cook 5 minutes.

Add the lentils, broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and sugar, and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.  Add the vinegar and parsley and simmer for 3-4 minutes.  If too thick for your taste, add a little extra beef broth.  Add more salt, pepper,  sugar, and vinegar to taste.

Sprinkle over spatzle.  Commonly served with sausage.