Lentil and Spinach Soup

For as long as I can remember, I've been eating lentil soup on New Year's Day. It brings good luck and health in the coming year, and I've tried everything from my Aunt Clem's soup (which I had each year until I moved away from home) to a variety of recipes once I had my own kitchen. This year, I tried a variation on a Jamie Oliver recipe. It was absolutely delicious, very quick to make, and we each ate two bowls!

You need:

2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 qts. chicken or vegetable broth
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced thin
10 grape tomatoes, sliced in half
2 c. red lentils
1 large bag washed spinach leaves
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil
plain yogurt, for topping


Saute carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in olive oil for ten minutes, or until carrots are softened and onion is translucent. Add broth, tomatoes, lentils, and ginger. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes with the lid on. Add the spinach and cook for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper and serve with a dollop of yogurt.