Lentil Vegetable Soup

Lentil Vegetable Soup

This is one of my favorite soups. I'm still trying to convert my husband. :-) It is great with homemade rolls.

2 quarts water
2 cups dry lentils
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup onion
1/4 cup chopped carrots
3 TB chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
2 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp crushed oregano
1 bay leaf
2 cups tomatoes

Place all ingredients, except tomatoes, in a large kettle and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Add tomatoes, breaking up any large pieces. Continue simmering, covered, for 30 minutes longer. Remover bay leaf before serving.