Simple Soup

There's something totally satisfying about eating soup in winter.  I've been craving lentil soup, which is strange I realize, but I tried a new recipe this evening that really worked.  It turned out great!  We topped it with a little balsamic vinegar and goat cheese.  The boys even ate it!  (Of course, Graeme had to be bribed with dessert, but he still ate his whole bowl.)  For the record, they skipped the vinegar and cheese as well.  The taste reminded me of the soups I used to get when in Sweden at a place called Hemma Hos Greken (or At Home with the Greek).  The best place ever for cheap good food.  If you're ever in Lund, you should try it!  I've never really tried to recreate the taste and this was remarkably easy!

And, just for fun, I found a blog post about the restaurant.  If you can read Swedish or translate it... certainly brought back memories for me!

http://tantekologisk.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/hemma-hos-greken-en-restaurang-med-ett-stort-hjarta/

 Greek Lentil Soup

 http://healthy.food.com/recipe/greek-lentil-soup-76083

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic , minced
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
• 8 cups water
• 24 ounces beef stock or 24 ounces broth
• 2 cups dry lentils , rinsed
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped mint (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach , thawed

Directions:

1. 1
   In a large stock pot, heat the oil and saute garlic, celery, onions, and carrot until veggies are tender.
2. 2
   Add the water, stock, and the rinsed lentils.
3. 3
   Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 45 minutes or until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.
4. 4
   Add the tomatoes, along with the juice in the can, as well as the chopped herbs, and salt and pepper.
5. 5
   Stir in the spinach and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes more.
6. 6
   Re-check seasoning before serving.