According to ancient traditions passed down through generations, the humble lentil holds a mysterious

power. It is said that each lentil consumed represents a coin, and those who partake in this leguminous

delicacy are destined for wealth and prosperity. To wish friends luck and prosperity in the New Year, ancient

Romans would give a pouch full of lentils as a gift. ~Contributed by Christina Cavallaro Edick

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup onion, chopped very fine

1/3 cup shredded prosciutto or unsmoked ham or Italian sausage

1/4 cup carrot, chopped fine

1/4 cup celery, chopped fine

One 14-ounce canned Italian plum tomatoes, cut up, with their juice (I use homegrown tomatoes in summer

and frozen tomatoes from the summer garden in winter if I can)

1/2 pound dried lentils

2-4 cups beef broth

1/2 cup wine

2-3 whole garlic cloves skins removed

Salt & pepper

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

•Put butter and oil in a soup pot. Add the chopped onion, choice of prosciutto, ham, or sausage, and

turn the heat to medium-high. Do not cover the pot.

•Cook the onion, stirring it, until it caramelizes and turns golden.

•Add the chopped carrot and celery. Cook at a lively heat for 2 or 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

•Add the tomatoes with their juice, and adjust the heat so that they bubble gently.

•Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

•Wash the lentils in cold water and drain. Add the lentils to the pot, stirring thoroughly to coat them

well, then add the broth, wine, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add whole garlic cloves.

•Cover the pot, adjust the heat so that the soup cooks at a steady, gentle simmer, and stir from time to

time for about 45 minutes to one hour or until the lentils become tender. Some lentils will absorb

more liquid than others. If necessary, add more broth while cooking or, if you prefer, add water.

•When the lentils are done, remove the whole garlic, and add grated Parmesan. Taste and correct with

salt and pepper.

Optional

Drizzle with flavorful balsamic vinegar