Hearty Lentil Soup

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 1/2 ounce) 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. 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. 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.