Chittys’ Lentil Soup

Claudia and Rich made this delicious soup for New Years’ Eve 2013 dinner.
-Terry

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 large carrot, sliced (about ¾ c)
• 1 large stalk celery, sliced (about ¾ c.)
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 4 cups water
• 12 ounces dried lentils (2 cups)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 2 tablespoons snipped parsley
• 1 tablespoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• Sliced polska kielbasa, heated to drain fat, add desired quantity

Instructions

1. Fry bacon in dutch oven until limp; drain on paper towels.
2. To the bacon fat in the dutch oven, add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook and stir over medium heat until celery is tender; about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in bacon, 4 cups water, lentils, bouillon cube, parsley, salt, pepper, thyme and bay leaf. Heat to boiling, reduce heat.
4. Cover and simmer until soup thickens (1 hour).
5. Stir in tomatoes with liquid and 1 cup water. Stir in sliced sausage to taste. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes.