It is almost spring, but not yet. Snowy Winter Lentil Stew

Our Minnesota winter was extremely mild this year, but Spring is still a very welcome thought.  There might be a few more cold days ahead of us.  So, I thought I would post a delicious, filling, satisfying stew.  I'm sorry to say I can't remember where I got the recipe from originally.  Enjoy.

Snowy Winter Lentil Stew

1/2 pkg bacon or ham

1 1/2 T olive oil

1 c. chopped onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

5 c. low salt chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 c. dried lentils

1/2 c. chopped carrot (frozen works fine)

2 bay leaves

3 c. spinach

1 1/2 c. peeled and cubed baking potato

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried sage

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp black pepper

3 T. fresh chopped parsley

Cook bacon in large pot.  Remove and wipe out pan.  Add olive oil.  Add onion and garlic, saute 5 min. or until onions are translucent.  Add broth lentils, carrots and bay leaves; bring to a boil.  Partially cover, reduce heat, simmer for 20 minutes.  Add spinach, potato and cooked bacon.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, simmer for 15 min. or until potato is tender.  stir in tomato, basil, sage, thyme and pepper; simmer 10 min.  Discard bay leaves.  Serve with parsley on top and a thick slice of bread.