Zuppa di Lenticchie

Lentils are probably the oldest cultivated legume. Umbria is known for its fine, IGP-designated lentils, lenticchie di Castelluccio di Norcia, which are grown in the high plains in the Monte Sibillini National Park. Castelluccio lentils are small, fragrant, and varied in color from speckled green to light yellow to brown. Because of their fine skins, they do not require soaking before cooking. This soup is seasoned with spezie forti, a “butcher’s blend” of spices common to Umb