Spicy Ginger and French Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 quart beef broth 
• 1 cup carrot juice 
• 1 teaspoon chipotle sauce 
• 5 slices bacon crumbled cooked
• 1.5 cups green lentils dried
• 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin 
• 0.5 cup ginger fresh minced peeled
• 1  pork hock 
• 4 servings kosher salt 
• 4 servings yogurt plain
• 1 large onion red minced
• 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
• 2 cups wine sweet (Gewürztraminer or Riesling)

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• ladle
• pot
• blender

Directions

1. Pour the broth into a large pot, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the lentils, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to maintain a slow simmer.
3. Meanwhile, add the butter and olive oil to a 10-inch skillet set over medium heat.
4. Add the onion, ginger, and chile powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, seven to ten minutes.
5. Add the onion mixture to a blender along with the carrot juice. Process until smooth.
6. Add this sauce into the pot, along with the ham hock and wine. Cover the pot, and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. If you want a little more mellow soup, continuing cooking for an additional 30 minutes or so. Season to taste with salt.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of the crumbled bacon.