Spicy Ginger and French Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 quart beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups dried green lentils
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large red onion, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
• 1 cup carrot juice
• 1 ham hock, optional
• 5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 cups slightly sweet white wine
• Kosher salt
• Plain yogurt

Directions

1. Pour the broth into a large pot and warm it over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Stir in the lentils, put the lid on, and lower the heat so the pot keeps bubbling slowly.
2. While the lentils get started, place the butter and olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, and chile powder, then cook, stirring now and then, until the onion has softened, 7 to 10 minutes.
3. Transfer the onion mixture to a blender and add the carrot juice. Blend until completely smooth. Pour this sauce into the pot, then add the ham hock and wine. Cover and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. If you prefer the soup a bit more mellow, let it cook for about 30 minutes longer. Add kosher salt to taste.
4. Spoon the soup into bowls, then finish each serving with plain yogurt and crumbled bacon.