31 January 2008

it's cold and i am hungry!


this soup warms your belly on cold days. so delicious with crackers or toast.

spicy lentil soup.
ingredients:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
2 cups spinach, chopped
2 1/2 cups lentils
5 cups of water
14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp salt

instructions:
1.) heat olive oil in a large stockpot to a medium heat. add onion, garlic, celery and carrots. stir and then cover for 5 minutes.
2.) add cayenne, basil, white pepper and salt. continuously stir for another 2 minutes.
3.) add tomatoes, vinegar, lentils and water. bring to a boil and then cover and lower heat. simmer for 30 minutes.
4.) add spinach and simmer for another 30 minutes.
5.) transfer 75% of the mixture to a blender (in shifts if needed) and process till smooth (a few whole pieces are ok). then put back in pot and mix with the rest of the soup.
6.) serve and enjoy!

serves: 4 (as a meal) or 6 (as a side)

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