Hearty Lentil Soup

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

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 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 1/2ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2  cups dry lentils
• 2  cups low sodium chicken broth
• 6  cups water
• 1⁄2 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.