On the first day of January we were so lazy. We watched movies on a continuous basis and I must admit we wore pajamas all day. I think we have never done this before but it felt so good doing nothing. Finally in the afternoon I “ran” into the kitchen to cook an easy Italian style lentil soup. We had to base our millions for the New Year. 🙂
Many Europeans eat lentils or lentil soup on New Year’s Day because the lentil resembles a little coin. The idea is that the New Year will bring you as much in riches as the number of little lentils.
What is your traditional dish in your country on New Year’s Day?
Ingredients
– 2 carrots, finely chopped
– 1 celery (tuber), finely chopped
– 200 g red lentil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, chopped
– 1 can tomato, peeled
– fresh thyme, chopped
– fresh sage, chopped
– salt, pepper
– olive oil
– parmesan (optional)
– balsamic vinegar (optional)
Heat olive oil in a pan and saute the chopped onion and garlic for a couple of minutes. Add carrots, celery and simmer for another 3-5 minutes. Then add tomatoes, thyme, sage, season with salt and pepper. Pour water (half liter) into the pan and cook the soup for 5-8 minutes. Add red lentil, bring it to boil and simmer it for 10 minutes until the lentil is cooked. Serve it with grated parmesan and a few drops of balsamic vinegar on top.
