This is a great soup to make during winter - wholesome and warming. It keeps very well, tasting better the day after you make it.

Ingredients

  • 1-2 stalks celery
  • 3 carrots
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 red potatoes (opt.)
  • 1 1/2 - 2 cups green lentils
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. Italian herb mix
  • 1 bunch spinach
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 7-8 cups water
  • 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

Directions

Chop carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Heat oil in a large soup pot. Add vegetables and bay leaves. Cook on medium heat until vegetables are soft. Add water, herbs, and lentils. Cook on medium-high heat for 45 minutes, adding water when needed (2 or more cups will evaporate during cooking).
Chop potatoes into small cubes, if using. Add to the soup and cook until potatoes are soft, about 10-12 minutes. Add spinach leaves and cook 2 minutes more, just enough to wilt the leaves. Remove from heat. Stir in red wine vinegar and leave covered until ready to serve.

Note: This soup improves with time. Letting it sit for 2 hours will only make it better (if you can wait that long...I usually can't).



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Submitted 6/13/05.
Source: Internet/Tara McDermott
Submitted By: Marlen
matchlessm@aol.com
Lentil Vegetable Soup