Lentil Soup

I've been browsing the internet looking for ideas on inexpensive meals, and I kept coming to beans and lentils. So I decided to try my hand at a pot of lentil soup and... it was delicious! This recipe calls for Italian type seasonings, but there are other variations. Some of these variations use curry or are spicy and involve cumin. If Italian isn't your style, do an internet search for lentil soup and choose one with flavors you like. But I promise you that if you use this recipe, you will not be disappointed!

Lentil Soup

1 cup each dry lentils, and chopped carrots,celery,onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp each dried basil,and oregano
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
3 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 1/2 cups water
1 14 -1/2 oz can Italian style stewed tomatoes

Rinse lentils , place lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf in cooker. Stir in broth and undrained tomatoes. Cover and cook 12 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high (I think these times might be a little long, so if you're cooking on low, check it at around 8 hours and if you're cooking it on high, check around 3 or 4 hours). Disgard bay leaf before serving. Enjoy! Makes about 6, 1 cup servings.