Raspberry Gazpacho

Silky, refreshing with just a hint of spice this Mediterranean soup is perfect for summer entertaining. Fresh, textured, light, and so delicious, the frozen raspberries are the hero of this dish, providing a bit of sweetness and tartness that balances perfectly with the tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

Ingredients:
1 cup frozen raspberries, plus more for garnish
3 large, ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chopped red bell pepper, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup white onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup peeled and seeded cucumber, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar (can sub lemon juice)
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 slices bread, toasted and cubed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Preparation:
1.) Put the frozen raspberries, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cucumber, vinegar, olive oil, half of the bread cubes, salt and pepper in a blender. Process until smooth, adding up to 1/3 cup water if necessary. (Work in batches if not all the ingredients fit in your blender at once.)
2.) Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Refrigerate for up to a few hours before serving for best flavor.
3.) To serve, toss together the remaining bread crumbs, raspberries, chopped bell pepper and cucumber together with a small pinch of salt and pepper. Divide the gazpacho among 4 bowls and garnish with the bread mixture.

Chicken with Tomato & Cucumber salad

Super tasty, super fast, super easy, super kid friendly, super healthy... what more do you need?

Ingredients for salad:
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 lemon, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 cup pear tomatoes, sliced in rounds
1 kirby cucumber, unpeeled, quartered lengthwise and sliced
3 pepperoncini peppers, stemmed and minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients for grilled chicken:
4 chicken paillards (scaloppini), about 4 ounces each
Olive oil spray
Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation: 
1.) Smash the garlic clove, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and with the flat side of a large knife, mash and smear to a coarse paste.
2.) Put the garlic paste in a large bowl and stir in the olive oil and lemon juice.
3.) Add the tomatoes, cucumber, pepperoncini, and dill and toss.
4.) Grind some black pepper. Toss again, and set aside.
Preheat a grill pan or nonstick skillet to medium high.
5.) Spray the chicken paillards lightly with the olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
6.) Grill the chicken, in batches if necessary, to avoid crowding the pan, turning once, until cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.
7.) Place each paillard on a plate and serve topped with the tomato-cucumber salad.

Angel Hair pasta with tomatoes and shrimp

A quick and healthy family dinner recipe that can also be served at a dinner party and let you shine.

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Kosher salt
8 ounces angel-hair pasta
8 cups chopped escarole, kale and/or Swiss chard
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

Preparation:
1.) Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2.) Add the pasta and cook as the label directs, adding the greens to the water.
3.) Drain and rinse under cold water; transfer to a large bowl.
4.) Combine the shrimp, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl.
5.) Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden, about 1 minute.
6.) Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes per side.
7.) Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
8.) Add the shrimp mixture to the bowl with the pasta along with the basil and lemon zest and juice. 9.) Toss together and decorate with a leave of basil.

Salade Niçoise

Nothing says summer in France like a salad Niçoise and a glass of Rosé. This beautifully constructed salad, featuring the best of the farmers’ market, is the ultimate in French recipes.

Vinaigrette:
1 medium shallot, minced
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from approximately 2 lemons)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup olive oil
salt and pepper
optional: fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, tarragon, parsley

Salad: (serves 4)
2 heads Boston or Bibb lettuce
1 pound green beans, French if possible
8 anchovies packed in olive oil
8 ounces canned albacore tuna in olive oil
12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup black Niçoise olives
4 hard-boiled eggs, halved

Preparations:
1. Place minced shallot, lemon juice and Dijon mustard in a bowl and whisk.
2. Slowly add the olive oil to the mixture until combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5. Trim the ends of the green beans.
6. Add the beans to the boiling water and cook for approximately 3 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Drain the beans and place them in a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking and keep them crisp.
7. Arrange the washed greens in a large bowl and dress with the vinaigrette.
8. Place each additional ingredient on top and drizzle the remainder of the vinaigrette. Salt and pepper as needed.

Optional: you can always add some potatoes to give it a little more texture.

Mediterranean Chicken

A delicious dish which will transport you directly to the shores of Southern Europe. It takes a little bit of preparation but is definitely worth the effort.

For the chicken:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, washed and quartered
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 branches fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied

For the salsa verde:
1 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 cup mint leaves, chopped
2 cup basil, chopped
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and chopped
4 anchovy fillets, bones removed, soaked and chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or more to taste
Coarse sea salt, to taste

For the side of tomatoes:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, whole
1 pint cherry tomatoes
Splash of balsamic vinegar

1. To marinate the chicken: In a large plastic sealable bag, squeeze the juice from the lemon and add the lemon itself. Add all the remaining ingredients, seal carefully, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or even overnight.

2. To make the salsa verde: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside until serving. Refrigerate if made earlier in the day, and remove an hour or so before serving.

3. To cook the chicken: Lightly spray a stovetop cast iron griddle with oil and heat over medium-high heat until smoking.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat off excess marinade. Place the chicken on the griddle and cook about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Turn the chicken and cook 2 more minutes, until cooked through.

5. To make the tomatoes: Heat the oil in a small saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and tomatoes and splash of balsamic vinegar, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, until the tomatoes are warmed through. Crush lightly with a wooden spoon and serve.

6. Place the chicken on a platter and top with the salsa verde with the tomatoes on the side.

Arugula & tomato Pasta Salad

A hearty pasta featuring peppery arugula, fresh tomatoes and pungent red onion.

Ingredients:
12 oz. small rigatoni or other short pasta
½ lb. sliced bacon (about 9 slices)
1 medium Red Onion
1 pt. Grape or cherry tomatoes
1 bunch arugula, thick stems discarded

Preparation:
1.) Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and return it to the pot.
2.) Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes; transfer to a paper towel--lined plate. Break into pieces.
3.) Discard all but 2 Tbsp of the drippings and return the skillet to medium heat. Add the onion, season with 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. 4.) Add the tomatoes and arugula and cook, tossing, for 1 minute.
5.) Toss the onion-tomato mixture with the pasta and fold in the bacon. Serve hot or at room temperature.

One Pan Mexican Quinoa

Searching for an exotic, healthy weeknight supper? Here is your answer. Also a big hit with gluten-free and vegetarian family and friends.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ a large jalapeno, minced (taste to make sure it's not too spicy)
3/4 cup quinoa
1 cup vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (not drained)
1 cup corn
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Preparations: 
1.) Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat.
2.) Sauté the garlic and jalapeno until it starts to brown, about one minute.
3.) Add the quinoa, vegetable broth, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, and salt to the skillet and stir to mix well.
4.) Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and cover the pan with the lid.
5.) Cook covered for 20 minutes, until the quinoa is cooked through, but stir it halfway through cooking just to make sure the quinoa cooks evenly.
6.) Before serving, sprinkle the chopped cilantro and diced avocado on top and then squeeze ½ of the lime in as well. Taste and add more lime juice, salt and pepper if needed.

Creamy Tomato soup

After having had our fill of summertime fresh tomato pastas, salsas, and tacos, we find ourselves dreaming of all the warm soups we love in Autumn.

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 chopped red onions
2 carrots, unpeeled and chopped
3 cloves minced garlic
5 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream

Preparation: 
1.) Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.
2.) Add the onions and carrots and sauté for about 10 minutes, until very tender.
3.) Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4.) Add the tomatoes, sugar, tomato paste, basil, chicken stock, salt, and pepper and stir well.
5.) Bring the soup to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, until the tomatoes are very tender.
6.) Add the cream to the soup and strain, or better, process it through a food mill into a bowl, discarding the pulp.
7.) Reheat the soup over low heat just until hot and serve with thinly sliced basil leaves.

Drizzle with a grilled cheese, or garnish with yummy homemade toasted bread.

American Pasta salad

A great recipe for kid's lunch or a light and healthy picnic salad. Nutritious and crunchy, no need to use lots of mayo. Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ingredients:
2 cups macaroni, cook and drain
1/3 cup diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup diced vine-ripened tomato (optional)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:
1.) In a large bowl combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomato.
2.) In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt.
3.) Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
4.) Season with salt and pepper to taste.

French Crème Fraîche Dip

Perfect for a déjeuner sur l'herbe. Combine some fresh herbes de Provence, (thyme, rosemary, marjoram and oregano) to enhances this lemony crème fraîche dip. Serve it with crudités and impress your family with a French touch to your picnic spread.

Ingredients:
1 (8-oz.) container crème fraîche
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. herbs de Provence
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables, for serving

Preparation:
1.) Using your fingers, crush the herbs de Provence to a powder over a small bowl.
2.) Stir in the crème fraiche and lemon zest and juice, and then season with salt and pepper.
3.) Scrape dip into a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve with vegetables.

Spinach pasta salad

Here's a great way to incorporate your greens into a healthy and delicious dish. Who can resist a refreshing pasta salad?

Ingredients:
For the salad:
2 1/2 cups bowtie pasta
2 cups spinach
1 bunch cilantro
1/4 cups onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 avocados, diced
1 can navy beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
For the Dressing:
Juice of a lemon
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:
1.) Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta until done, about 7-9 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
2.) Place cilantro and spinach in a food processor and process until chopped into tiny pieces.
3.) Add greens to a medium bowl.
4.) Add the garlic, onion, tomatoes, avocado, and beans.
5.) Toss in cooked pasta, and stir until combined.
6.) Pour dressing over the top and fold into salad until well coated.
7.) Refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes to let flavors combine.

Egg in a hole with grilled tomatoes

This is a fun breakfast dish for adults and kids to make on the weekend when you have a little more time. It's filling and it's healthy. For an extra special touch use a heart-shaped cutout.

Ingredients:
4 medium tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
4 slices whole-grain bread
4 large eggs
butter
salt and pepper

Preparation:
Heat oven on grill cycle.
1.) Place the tomatoes cut-side up on a tray covered with baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to plate and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
2.) Brush 1 side of each slice of bread with butter. Using a round cookie cutter or drinking glass, cut a hole in the center of each slice, reserving the cutout pieces.
3.) Heat 2 tsp oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Place half the bread and cutouts, buttered side up, in the frying pan and cook until the undersides are crisp, 1 to 2 minutes; flip.
4.) Crack 1 egg into each hole. Dividing evenly, season with salt and pepper and cook, covered, to desired doneness, 2 to 3 minutes for runny yolks.
5.) Transfer to plates and cover with foil to keep warm.
6.) Repeat with the remaining 2 tsp oil, bread and eggs. Serve with the tomatoes and cutouts.

Pasta salad with ham, rucola and tomatoes

Monday morning and nothing left in the fridge? The kids lunch boxes have to be packed fast and even though there is nothing else in the cupboard, you'll always find a box of pasta in an Italian household. Simple, fast and yummy!

Ingredients: (Serves 4)
300 gr short pasta (such as penne)
salt
250 gr arugula salad
300 gr cherry tomatoes
80 gr of boiled ham (sliced)
½ lemon
4 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
5 tablespoons olive oil
1 pinch of brown sugar
pepper

Preparation:
1.) Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.
2.) In the meantime, wash arugula, spin dry and pluck little as you like.
3.) Wash and halve the tomatoes.
4.) Cut ham into strips.
5.) Squeeze half a lemon, mix with vinegar and oil and season.
6.) Drain pasta and mix all ingredients.

Pizza Scrolls

This is a fun and easy recipe to make with your kids. The perfect after-school snack that every child will love.

Ingredients:
Puff Pastry Sheet
Basilico Tomato Sauce
Salami
Cheese

Preparation:
1.) Defrost the pastry slightly and roll out
2.) Cover pastry sheet with basil tomato sauce
3.) Cover with salami and cheese
4.) Roll up pastry sheet and slice into 1.5cm segments
5.) Place on lined baking tray and cook in a very hot oven 220C for 8 minutes or until golden.
6.) Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tomato crumble and fresh goat cheese

A good friend of mine once gave me six adorable Le Creuset mini-pots for a house warming party. I have found the perfect recipe to go with it:

Ingredients:
For the crushed tomatoes and fresh goat cheese:
- 4 tomatoes
- 150 gr of fresh goat cheese
- 2 table spoons of olive oil
- 2 shallots
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 twig of basil
- pinch of La Baleine Fine Salt
- 1 pinch of sugar
- Pepper
For the crumble dough:
- 70 gr of flour
- 70 gr of parmesan
- 70 gr of butter
- 2 table spoons of fine breadcrumbs
- 1 branch of fresh rosemary

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 180°C (thermostat 6) and take the butter out of the icebox.
For the crushed tomatoes:
1.) Bring water to boil in a cooking pan.
2.) Remove the tomato stem and cut them slightly with the tip of a knife before dipping them about 20 seconds in boiling water.
3.) Remove with a skimmer and dip them in a salad bowl of cold water in order to stop the cooking and refresh them.
4.) Remove the skin from the tomatoes then cut into small cubes.
5.) Thinly chisel the garlic and shallots.
6.) Pan fry the garlic and shallots with a thin dash of olive oil and add the diced tomatoes.
7.) Add the chiseled basil and a small pinch of sugar to avoid the acidity of the tomatoes.
8.) Allow to cook on a low flame with a top for 10 minutes stirring from time to time.
9.) At the end of the cooking, add some La Baleine Fine Salt and pepper.
For the crumble dough:
1.) In a salad bowl, mix the flour, the parmesan, the softened butter and the rosemary twigs.
2.) Knead until you get a sandy texture.
Presentation:
1.) In a baking dish previously oiled, alternated the crushed tomatoes and goat cheese.
2.) Finish with the crumble dough.
3.) Cook 10 minutes at 180°C (thermostat 6).
Serve tepid or cold, slightly sprinkled with La Baleine Fleur de Sel to  convey the touch of exception and crispness. Delicious with an arugula salad!

Pizza with asparagus, tomatoes and Cantal cheese

Here is a pizza with a twist. A quick and easy light and soothing delight…

Ingredients: 
1 rectangular fine pizza dough
4 slices of skewered ham
3 tablespoons of fresh cream
12 green asparagus
12 glazed tomatoes
a few snips of chives
20 to 30 g of cantal cheese
Pepper

Preparations:
1. )Preheat your oven to 200 °C (th. 6-7).
2.) Wash the green asparagus, peel them and plunge in boiling water from 8 to 10 minutes until they are nice and tender.
3.) Verify the cooking with the tip of a knife. Pass for a few minutes under cold water to stop the cooking.
4.) Unroll the pizza dough on an oven plaque covered with baking paper.
5.) Spread the fresh cream on all the surface and place the asparagus and glazed tomatoes on the cream.
6.) Cut the ham in thin strips then in big squares and place them on the pizza.
7.) Sprinkle with chiseled chives and slivers of Cantal cheese, add ground pepper.
8.) Bake for 18 to 20 minutes while watching the cooking.

Tip: Serve your pizza with an arugula salad.

Parmeggiano baskets with mixed salad

Here is an easy but impressive salad to serve when your in-laws come for dinner.

Ingredients:
For the parmesan crisps:
80g grated parmesan cheese
For the salad:
100g salad greens, such as ruby gem, rocket, oak leaf, cos or baby spinach
100g mixed fresh herb leaves, such as parsley, basil, oregano, chives or coriander
150g grape tomatoes, cut in ½
40g thinly sliced red onions
80g cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
60ml high quality extra-virgin olive oil
60ml red wine vinegar
Salt
35g toasted chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds or chopped hazelnuts

Preparation:
For the parmesan crisps:
1.) Preheat the oven to 190C/Gas Mark 5. Line a sheet tray with a silicone mat. Make 4 even, very thin circles of Parmigiano on the mat. Be sure that the circles are not touching.

2) Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until the cheese has melted, turned golden brown and looks like lace. Remove the tray from the oven and let the crisps cool for about 1 minute. Using a spatula, remove the crisps from the silicone mat and reserve on a plate. You can also let them dry over an upside down cup in order to make parmeggiano baskets to serve the salad in.

For the salad:
1) Fill your sink with cool water. Toss in all the salad greens and gently swish until all the dirt and grit falls to the bottom of the basin. Gently lift the greens out of the water and put in a salad spinner. If the greens are especially dirty empty the sink, rinse to rid of dirt and repeat the process. Spin the greens until they are dry and still very fresh looking. If not using the greens right away, store them wrapped loosely in kitchen towels then sealed in plastic bags in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
2) In a large bowl, place the greens and herbs. Add the tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. Drizzle in half of the oil and vinegar and season with salt. Using your hands, gently toss the salad to combine. Taste! Add the remaining oil and vinegar, if needed and season again with salt, if needed (you probably will). The salad should be very flavourful but not soggy.

3) Arrange the salad on individual salad plates or bowls. Sprinkle each salad with the nuts and garnish with a Parmigiano crisp or place salaed in baskets.

Anglo-Italian Ragu

My Neapolitan mother-in-law starts cooking at 6am in the morning. Admittedly her ragu is unbeatable. I have a quick version of ragu but it does allow me to stay in bed a little longer.

Ingredients:
1/2 onion
1 stalk celery, cut into 4 pieces
1 small carrot, cut into 4 pieces
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound minced beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup whole milk

Preparation:
1.) Finely chop the onion, celery, carrot, garlic and rosemary.
2.) Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
3.) Add the chopped vegetables and cook, stirring, until softened and golden, 3 to 5 minutes.
4.) Add the beef, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
5.) Add the tomatoes, milk, 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.

Pasta with Eggplant

Following is another recipe I received via e-mail chain from a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend. It sounds delicious and seriously Italian. My hubby and kids love it! And that says it all.....

Ingredients:
3 big aubergines (eggplants)
1 cup of tomatoe purée
400 gr of pasta (tortiglioni, if possible)
basil
oil
salt
pepper

Preparation:
1.) Cut and dice eggplants.
2.) Fry them in very hot oil until they are crispy but be careful not to burn them.
3.) Put them on some kitchen paper and salt them.
4.) At the same time prepare a tomato sauce by putting tomato puree into a pan with some oil and salt once it's cooked.
5.) After the sauce has cooked for about half an hour you can add inn the aubergines.
6.) If you have it some basil can be added to the sauce with the aubergines.
7.) Cook the pasta in boiling and salted water and cook for the minutes indicated on the pasta box.
8.) Add in the sauce.
9.) Sparkle with parmisan cheese and la pasta è pronto!

Lisa's stewed lentils

Looking for an inspiration for a meatless dinner I asked my vegetarian friend what she was making her family for dinner that night. This was her suggestion:

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cups large diced yellow onions (2 onions)
2 cups large diced carrots (3-4 carrots)
3 garlic cloves , minced (about 1 tbls.)
1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes
1 cup french green lentil (7 ounces)
2 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
2 teaspoons mild curry powder
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves , chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon good quality red wine vinegar

Preparations:
1. )  Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions and carrots and cook over medium low heat for 8-10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

2.)  Meanwhile, place the canned tomatoes, including the juice, in the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times until the tomatoes are coarsely chopped. Rinse and pick over the lentils to make sure there are no stones.

3.) Add the tomatoes, lentils, broth, curry powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pan. Raise the heat to bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer covered for about 40 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Check occasionally to be sure the liquid is still simmering.

4.) Remove from the heat and allow the lentils to sit covered for another 10 minutes. Add the vinegar. Season to taste and serve hot. Enjoy!