Lentil Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

* 1 cup dried brown lentils

* 4 cups vegetable broth

* 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes

* 2 tablespoons olive oil

* 2 garlic cloves, diced

* 1 medium onion, diced

* 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced

* 2 celery stalks (including leaves,)chopped

* 1 bay leaf

* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

* salt and pepper to taste



Directions

1. Pour lentils in a bowl, cover with water, and allow to sit overnight.

2. Over medium heat, cook onions in olive oil in a large soup pan. Add garlic and celery. Once celery begins to soften, add carrots, tomatoes, bay leaf and vegetable stock.

3. Pour in drained lentils.

4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and allow the soup to
simmer for 30 minutes.

5. Remove and discard bay leaf and add vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Makes 4 servings.