Hearty Gnocci & Lengua Soup

Yes, lengua is another name for tongue and yes I know a lot of people are disgusted with the idea of eating tongue. I can understand this view on eating a muscle like the tongue, however, Connor and I really try to eat as much of an animal as possible. Tongue is no exception! The key to good tongue meat is boiling for 4 to 6 hours. The exterior skin falls right off and leaves behind the tenderest meat I’ve ever tasted.

This soup is a perfect example of a recipe to use up that tongue meat. Treat as shredded beef! The flavors come together really nicely to make a creamy, hearty, dinner that will be sure to please (and wow!) your company.

Serves:  4 Generous Servings –  Prepare Time: 30 minutes +/-

INGREDIENTS:

HEARTY GNOCCI & LENGUA SOUP:

• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 8-12 Ounces Tongue Meat
• 1/2 Large White Onion, Diced
• 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, Diced
• 2 Stalks Celery, Diced
• 4 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 2 Large Handfuls of Spinach
• 2 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 2 Cups Beef Broth
• 1/4 Cup White Wine (Dry Wine, i.e. Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Oregano
• Pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Package Gnocci (17.5 ounces +/-)
• 1 Teaspoon Granulated Sugar
• Salt & Pepper, To Taste
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley)

DIRECTIONS:

1.) To start the base of the soup, add olive oil to a large dutch-oven pot. Add onions and celery to a pot and cook until onions become translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper.

2.) Add tomato paste and butter to sautéed veggies and stir until incorporated. Add spices and sugar, along with diced bell pepper, minced garlic, and tongue meat to pan and cover and cook for 2 minutes. Add white wine to pot and stir to combine.

3.) Add beef broth, cook covered until boiling. Add gnocci and cook for 10 minutes, covered. Once gnocci is tender, add heavy cream, milk, fresh herbs, spinach, and parmesan cheese to pot. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

4.) Serve with extra parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes. Enjoy!