Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/3 cups finely diced onion
  • 1/3 cup finely diced celery
  • 1/3 cup finely diced carrot
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 cup dried French dark green or other lentils
  • 6 cups chopped spinach
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shaved fresh Parmesan cheese

Method

  • Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, celery, carrot, and bay leaves; saute for 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste, salt, and minced garlic; saute 1 minute. Add 6 cups water and lentils; bring mixture to a boil. Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer mixture for 25 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach, parsley, vinegar, mustard, and pepper; cook 15 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Ladle soup into bowls; top with cheese.
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