Zuppe di Lenticchie con Cipolle Caramellate (Caramelized Onion and Lentil Soup)

I am turning 40 today. This day has been ominously hanging over my head since the day I turned 39. Honestly, I couldn't wait for this day to get here so I could finally say,  "I'm 40." and move forward.  Why is turning 40 such a cringe inducing event to some women? I wasn't feeling any pressure until people started to point out the impending event and say, "Wow, you're turning 40 this year!" and, "What are you doing for the big 4-0??" I was also told,  "Turning 40 is the new 30."  Who are you kidding? I will never see my 30's again.  What I wanted to do for the big 4-0 was go to Paris. Paris in France. My husband had another idea for me, "Sure honey, you can go to Paris. You will have so much fun at Paris in Epcot." That is not the Paris I had in mind.

As the months were rapidly passing, I was starting to feel a little gloomy. Then I decided to take charge and start running.  I knew what turning 40 meant physically.  I read all the statistics and learned how much bone mass I would be losing on a daily basis. I dealt with a minor cancer scare this summer.  I knew my metabolism would start to slow down and for God's sake I can't be the Chubby Cake Duchess. Exercise would be the way to conquer turning 40 and laugh at her face in victory. I wouldn't be eating a croissant and sipping a caffe' au lait on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, but damn it, I would be fit.

I decided to throw my own party and have some close friends and family over. I was going to cook and bake and make sure the event was properly celebrated. At the last minute, I made an executive decision and 86'd my party and thought being on Miami Beach would be a much better idea. Miami! Oh, how I love Miami. Spending time in Miami reminded me that it is OK to be 40. I loved my 20's and 30's, but I am grateful for being exactly where I am and having what I have. I am proud of what I have accomplished (there will be a separate Miami post coming soon!). It  is time to celebrate the future and many more beautiful moments in life. Sappy? A little...but it's true!!

On a final comforting note, my daughter kindly tapped my hand last night at dinner and said, "It's OK mom. These are your last hours of being in your 30's." Thanks honey, I will take the mahogany casket with the super soft satin lining in pink.

So you may wonder, "Why lentil soup on this special day?".  If legumes possessed a zodiac sign, I bet lentils would be a Virgo and I will tell you why. Virgos are sort of like lentils in that we are both reliable and practical. And without further ado, I am proud to present to you a reliable and practical dish that is not lacking in elegance (and it sounds so pretty in Italian): Zuppa di Lenticchie con Cipolle Caramellate.

This soup is perfect to have on a cool fall day. The lemon gives the lentils a little burst of tartness. The caramelized onions add the right sweetness. Did you ever think lentils could look so pretty. I love the flavor of the yogurt and herbs with the rich lentils. You won't believe how simple, economical, and yummy this soup is.

Zuppe di Lenticchie con Cipolle Caramellate
serves approximately 4

Ingredients

2 cups chicken stock
2 cups of water
1 cup water
pinch cayenne
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (for serving)
3 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (I used parsley and cilantro)

Directions.

To caramelize the onions, melt the butter over moderate heat. Throw in the onion and cook until beginning to brown. Sprinkle sugar evenly over onions and continue to cook until onions are brown, sweet, and sticky. You could omit the sugar if you would like it less sweet and it will still be delicious.

While the onions are caramelizing, in a medium saucepan, combine lentils with water, broth, cayenne, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are soft and beginning to break down. You could smash some of the lentils against the side of the pan with a spoon to thicken the soup. Add the caramelized onions to the soup. If lentils look to dry, you could add more water or broth. Turn off heat, and stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice. Ladle into bowls and serve with the low-fat yogurt and the chopped fresh herbs.

A scene from this summer in North Carolina. You can insert your own "deep thought" .