Onion Lentil Soup

Onion Lentil Soup

Filled with both antioxidants and protein, this soup is great for boosting your immune system as we enter into the cold and flu season.

Ingredients
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter 
1 Medium sweet onion peeled and sliced
2 teaspoons sugar
2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1 cup dried brown lentils
1/8 cup tamari or soy sauce
4 cups water or broth
1 cup beer
1 bay leaf
Crusty bread and Swiss cheese for topping (optional)

In dutch oven or soup pot, melt butter and add onion, sugar and salt. Cook over medium low heat, stirring frequently so the onions don't burn. Cook about until brown and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minutes. Add lentils, sage and tamari/soy sauce, stirring for one minute. Add water/broth, beer and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer until lentils are soft 30 - 40 minutes. If desired, pour into oven safe bowls, add swiss cheese and bread and broil until cheese is melted.