Lentile Soup

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups lentils (dry)
• 3 onions (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 garlic cloves (mashed and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 stalks celery (chopped, including some leaves)
• 2 large carrots (sliced in small rounds)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin (freshly ground)
• 1 quart tomato (diced)
• 4 cups water (or vegetable broth, more, if needed)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground)

Directions

1. 1

   Wash and sort lentils.

2. 2

   Put in large pot, cover with water, and bring to boil, then boil gently for 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Cover and set aside for one hour.

4. 4

   Sauté onions in olive oil, with salt, over low heat until translucent.

5. 5

   Add garlic and continue to cook until soft.

6. 6

   Add garlic and onions to pot of lentils.

7. 7

   Sauté celery and carrots in olive oil until tender.

8. 8

   Add to pot of lentils.

9. 9

   Add cumin, tomatoes, water and pepper.

10. 10

    Simmer gently for about 30 more minutes, or until tender.

11. 11

    Serve with crusty bread.