How to Make Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is hearty, filling, inexpensive comfort food. Whether you're trying to save money or just looking for a quick to make substantial meal, lentil soup is a great dish to know how to make. Read on to learn how to make lentil soup.

A pound of lentils costs about a $1.00, and serves a family of 4 for dinner. If you're looking for an economical meal that's high in protein, lentil soup is a great choice. Lentils are a quick cooking legume, so you can have the lentil soup on the table about an hour after you start to sauté. the vegetables.

Lay out all the ingredients before you atart to prepare the lentil soup.

• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 2/3 cup chopped ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, trimmed and finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 cup canned tomatoes
• 1 lb. lentils, rinsed
• 8 cups of beef stock
• 10oz. frozen spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Place the olive oil, butter, ham, and onion in a soup pot.
2. Turn heat on to medium low and sauté until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the celery and carrot and sauté and additional 5 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes, turn heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes.
5. Stir the lentils in to the vegetables, and add the stock.
6. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer.
7. Simmer about 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
8. Add the spinach, and cook until thawed and heated through.
9. Taste, and add salt and pepper to taste.

1. Omit ham, and add a package of hot dogs, sliced, with the spinach.
2. Omit ham and substitute water or vegetable sock for the beef stock for a vegetarian lentil soup.
3. Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil with the tomatoes.