Hearty Lentil Soup

Chef Lyle's Note:

"Hearty lentil soup, chock full of veggies and very yummy. Serve with warm cornbread."

• Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 onion , chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 carrots , diced
• 2 stalks celery , chopped
• 4 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 (14 ½ ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups dry lentils
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 6 cups water
• ½ cup spinach , rinsed and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• salt
• ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, Cumin, Curry and basil; cook for 2 minutes.
2. Stir in lentils, and add Chicken Stock, water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve stir in spinach, and cook until it wilts. Stir in vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper, and more vinegar if desired.