Lentil Soup, Gringa Style

This is your basic gringo lentil soup recipe. Mexicans have their own way of preparing lentil soup, but that's another recipe for another day.  This recipe is cheap, filling, and easy to prepare--the perfect meal for economic recession.

INGREDIENTS:

• 250g or 1/2 lb. brown lentils
• 5 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 small-medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh parsley, or 1 heaping tb dried
• dash of pepper
• salt to taste

PREPARATION:

1. Put lentils and bay leaf in a medium pot with water.  Let them come to a boil while you chop your other ingredients.
2. Add remaining ingredients except salt.
3. Simmer, covered, 30-40 minutes, until lentils are cooked through.  You may need to add more water during the cooking.
4. When lentils are cooked, add salt to taste and letter simmer 2 more minutes.
5. Serve with warm corn tortillas.

Serves 3-4 as a main dish.