An earthy, wholesome soup that makes for a nice lunch or small meal in the colder months of the year. This makes a large batch; freeze extra portions. Yields approximately 25 cups or 6 quarts and 1 cup.Based on a recipe from Soups & Sides, Catherine Walthers, 2010, Lake, Isle Press, NY.
Total Time1 hourhr45 minutesmins
Course: Gluten Free, Soups, Vegetarian
Keyword: Freezes Well
Servings: 14servings
Author: Catherine Christiano
Ingredients
1 1/3cupslentilsrinsed (smaller lentils are preferable)
2bay leaves
3tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
2cupsyellow oniondiced 1/4", approximately 2 medium onions
2whole leeksapproximately 3 cups, trimmed, white and tender green part, cut in half lengthwise, rinsed well and sliced 1/8" wide
1tablespoonfinely minced garlicapproximately 4 average sized cloves
3cupscarrotspeeled and diced 1/4", approximately 6 medium carrots
2cupscelerydiced 1/4", approximately 4 stalks
14cupslow sodium chicken brothpreheat to reduce time (use vegetable broth for Vegetarians)
4teaspoonsdried oregano
28ouncecan no sodium diced tomatoes with juices
16ouncesspinach leaves, or 10 oz package frozen cut leaf spinach defrosted.
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
salt to taste
Instructions
Fill a 2 quart saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add the lentils and bay leaves and simmer, partially covered, 12 - 15 minutes until the lentils are "al dente"; they shouldn't be hard or mushy. Drain, rinse with cool water, shaking the strainer allow steam to escape. Set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in an 8 quart stock pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté 6 - 8 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the leeks, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté another 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the broth, oregano, tomatoes, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer until the vegetables are cooked, about 20 minutes.
Stir in the spinach and lentils. Simmer on low for 2 to 3 minutes, until spinach is wilted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
This makes a large batch, ideal for freezing. Scaling down will reduce overall time.