Enjoy this nutritious bowl of comfort when the weather is chilly.

1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 tbsp. of vegetable oil
(seasoning mix:)
* 5 tsp. onion power
* 2 tsp. coriander
* 1-1/2 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. minced dried garlic
* 1 tsp. dried cilantro or parsley
* 1/2 tsp. allspice
* 1/4 tsp. black pepper
10 c. hot water
8 oz. dried lentil beans (1/2 bag)
2 tbsp. orzo pasta (optional)
fresh spinach, stems removed

On low heat, add onions and celery to a soup pot and sweat out the moisture. Add 1 tbsp. of oil and cook slowly until onions become clear. Stir in seasoning mix. Add water and bring to a boil. Prepare lentils by rinsing in a colander being careful to remove any foreign material. Add lentils to boiling pot and cook on medium heat until beans are tender. Skim off any brown foam. Add orzo pasta and a handful of fresh spinach. Soup is ready to eat when the pasta is tender.