Traditional New Year's Day Lentil Soup
Every year on New Year's Day my
Italian grandmother used to insist
we go to her house to eat
some Lentil soup. As a child
I would do so because she
used to tell me it would bring
me luck and wealth all year.
Of course, as an Irish
kid as well who wouldn't like a little
luck! Lentil soup doesn't look that inviting
but it tastes good, is good for you,
and according to what Grandma Sue used
to say it brings you a little bit of luck.
Who can't use that?! My mother carries
the tradition and James is following suit;
he loves Grandma's lentil soup too.
In fact he calls it "Grandma's Good
Luck Soup!"
Try some with your family on New
Year's Day.
Grandma's Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
1/2 c celery, finely chopped
1 sm. onion, finely chopped
2 med. carrots, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves of garlic
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 bag dried lentils
Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder to taste
1 Bay Leaf
4 qts of water
Directions:
In a large soup pot add the olive oil and grate in 2 cloves of garlic and saute the onions, celery and carrots with a touch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder over medium heat. Fry until done. While that is cooking, rinse the lentil beans and set aside. Add the water to the veggies and then add the lentil beans. Cook over medium heat and add more salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. Add in the bay leaf and the other garlic clove (whole). Continue to cook until the lentils are soft.
Eat, enjoy, and may the luck and wealth be with you!