Amanda's Lentil Soup

As Joey and I have tried to implement healthy eating in our house we have tried to cut back on our intake of red meat.  To do this, I have been cooking up recipes that have no meat at all.  This is a great " All Vegetable" meal that our entire family makes.  It makes a lot and so I usually freeze half of it for another night.  So without further adieu--

Amanda's Lentil Soup Recipe

1 1lb package of green lentils

1 pkg carrots chopped

1 pkg celery chopped

2 large leeks finely chopped (white part only)

1 large yellow onion chopped

2 TBSP olive oil

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp cumin

1 tsp black pepper

1 can tomato paste

2 tsp salt

3 quarts chicken stock

1. Pour lentils in a bowl and cover with boiling water.

2. Heat olive oil in large saucepan big enough for whole soup.

3. Add garlic, leeks, and onion. Saute' until transluscent (about 15 min).

4. Add carrots, celery, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Saute' another 20 min, stirring frequently.

5. Add chicken stock, tomato paste, and lentils. Cover.

6. Bring to a boil

7. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for  one hour.