Chopped Lentil Soup

When I am hung over or sleep deprived I make this soup. You don’t have to do anything, it’s all chopped in a food processor. You could make it very chunky and chop it all yourself but come on, go to a thrift store or garage sale and get an old food processor, non-cooks register for them all the time and then never use them and sell them at church bazaars. It's a great investment.

2 tablespoons olive oil (not extra virgin)
1 large onion
2-3 cloves garlic
3 stalks celery
2 carrots (or handful of baby carrots)
1 bag pre-washed baby spinach
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
In a food processor chop all ingredients in batches until pebble sized or smaller. Or chop all ingredients by hand. In large stockpot heat oil over medium heat. Saute ingredients until semi-soft. Add:
1 can petite-diced tomatoes with juice (15 ounce size)
1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 bay leaves
½-1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 tablespoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1 large can low sodium chicken broth or vegetable (48 ounces)
1 cup dried lentils (rinsed and sorted through)
Turn up heat and bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat to med/low to simmer until lentils are tender. For meat-eaters add:
½ lb. diced ham, turkey ham or turkey kielbasa (use up to a pound if you like)
Serve with a sprinkling of soy sauce. Makes 8-10 servings