Linsen mit Spätzle (Lentils with German Noodles)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown or green lentils
• 6 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 Carrot
• 1 stalk Celery
• 1/2 Onion
• 1 lb Spätzle noodles
• 4 slices Bacon (optional)
• 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp Marjoram
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the 1 cup of brown or green lentils in a fine-mesh sieve under cool running water until the water runs clear. Transfer the rinsed lentils to a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
2. 2Peel and cut the 1 carrot into 1/2-inch cubes. Cut the 1 stalk of celery into 1/2-inch pieces. Cut the 1/2 onion into 1/2-inch pieces. Add the 6 cups of vegetable broth, the cubed 1 carrot, the cut 1 stalk of celery, the cut 1/2 onion, the 1 bay leaf, the 1/2 teaspoon of marjoram, the 1 teaspoon of salt, and the 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the pot with the lentils. Stir all ingredients together.
3. 3Place the pot over high heat (400°F / 200°C) and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low (200°F / 95°C), cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the lentils are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. 4If using the 4 slices of bacon, place them in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crisp and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to cool for 5 minutes. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
5. 5Place the 1 lb of Spätzle noodles in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles are warmed through and lightly browned.
6. 6Once the lentils are tender, carefully remove and discard the 1 bay leaf from the pot. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar until fully combined.
7. 7Serve the cooked lentils generously over the warmed 1 lb of Spätzle noodles. If desired, top with the reserved crumbled 4 slices of bacon.

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