Happy New Year 2014

“Today is the first page of a 365 page book.  Write a good one.” - Happy New Year!

 

 

New Year's Day, 2014.  A cold and snowy day to start off the New Year.  What better of a way is there to celebrate than with a hot bowl of lentil & ham soup, hearty fresh-baked dark rye bread, and a cold glass of champagne!  Tradition has it, the lentils symbolize money and good fortune.  The ham in the soup stands for "richness of life."  And the champagne?  Well, it is the New Year after all...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lentil Soup with Ham

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

2  tablespoons olive oil  2  cups dried brown lentils, rinsed and picked over 
2  carrots, peeled and chopped 
1  onion, chopped fine 
3  garlic cloves, minced 
1/2  cup white wine 
7  cups low-sodium chicken broth 
1  teaspoon minced fresh thyme 
1  bay leaf 
1/4  teaspoon red pepper flakes 
About 2 cups leftover chopped ham 

Salt and pepper 

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot or dutch oven, over medium heat until shimmering. Add lentils, carrots, and onion and cook until vegetables are softened and lentils are beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add wine and cook until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Stir in broth, thyme, bay leaf, and pepper flakes and bring to boil.

2. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, until thickened and lentils are completely tender, about 1 hour. Discard bay leaf. Puree 2 cups soup until smooth. Return pureed soup to pot and stir in ham. Simmer, covered, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.