Indiana - The Hoosier State, State flower: The Peony

1. Lentil Soup
2. Beet & Cauliflower Salad
3. Pumpkin Bread
4. Round Steak with Onions
5. Sauerkraut in White Wine
6. Apple Brown Betty

Lentil Soup - Serves 6

2 cups dried lentils
2 qt beef stock or bouillon
1 onion stuck with two cloves
Bouquet garni consisting of a celery stalk with leaves, 2 sprigs of parsley, ½ tsp thyme, 1 bay leaf and one clove garlic tied off in cheesecloth
1 tsp salt,¼ tsp pepper
Hambone with some meat on or 6 boiled frankfurters
Vinegar

Pick over and wash lentils and soak overnight in cold water. Drain and put in soup pot with all the other ingredients except the frankfurters and vinegar. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until lentils are done.

Remove the onion, bouquet garni and hambone if you used one. Correct seasoning. If you used a hambone, take off the meat, cut up into bite sized pieces and add to soup. Otherwise, cut up the frankfurters and add them.

Reheat and serve with a dribble of vinegar over each individual bowl.

Click on State name...it will take you to its menu and recipes.