Hearty Tomato and Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 small onions, chopped
• 5 celery ribs, chopped
• olive oil flavored cooking spray
• 1 lb brown lentils
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water

• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans tomatoes (any type-diced, stewed, whole, etc. is fine)
• salt and pepper
• grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Saute onions and celery in olive oil cooking spray until onions are translucent.

2. 2

   Add 1 lb brown lentils, vegetable broth, water and .the cans of tomatoes.

3. 3

   Cover and bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Reduce heat to low and simmer until lentils are soft and celery is tender.

5. 5

   NOTE: I used 8 cups of broth plus one cup water for a thicker soup. If you desire a thinner soup, you may want to add an extra 2 cups of broth if desired.