Recipe: Lentil Vegetable Soup (with carrot, tomatoes and spinach)

LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP

1 small onion, finely chopped
1 thin carrot, thinly sliced
1 celery stalk, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/2 cup lentils
1 1/4 cups water
1 1/4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup chopped drained tomatoes
1 cup coarsely chopped spinach
Fresh lemon juice
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, saute onion, carrots, and celery in oil until tender.

Add garlic, cumin, and allspice, stir well. Add lentils, and 1 1/4 cups water, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 5 minutes.

Add beef broth and simmer covered for 25 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes and spinach, sitr and simmer for 2 minutes. Add more liquid if necessary.

Squeeze in lemon juice from half of a fresh lemon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

From: linda/tennessee