Minerva Etzioni’s Soup of Lentils, Ham Hocks, and Plantains

When Minerva Etzioni (political scientist and extraordinary cook and hostess) prepared this stick-to-the-ribs dish for her five sons and husband, the eminent sociologist Amitai Etzioni, it was merely an appetizer. For my family, this very thick soup (almost a stew) would serve as a main course, to be followed by a salad of bitter greens and crunchy sweet peppers.

Cooking the plantains before peeling helps retain their shape and mellow sweetness. You will soon find that you ad