Because we could not eat meat on Fridays, my nonna always made lentil soup. Lentils are good luck to eat on New Year's Day because they look like little coins: the more you eat, the more money you will have!
 
½ lb. Washed lentils
1 Medium chopped onion
1 Clove minced garlic
1 15-oz. Can tomatoes with juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Bay leaf
Fresh endive, escarole or spinach
¼ lb. Angel hair pasta broken into small pieces (can substitute with orzo or ancini pepe)
 
Combine all ingredients (except pasta) in large pan. Add 1 qt. of water and cook about 1 hour, until lentils are tender. Add pasta and cook about 2 minutes. Just before serving, add 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 1 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!