Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 c 6 oz dry lentils
• 2 Tbsp parsley flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 c water
• 12 lb bacon
• 12 c chopped celery
• 14 c chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 14 tsp pepper
• 1 1 lb can tomatoes

Directions

1. Combine lentils parsley salt and bay leaf in large saucepan Add water
2. Cover and cook slowly 1 hour or until lentils are tender
3. More water may be needed during cooking
4. Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces and cook until crisp
5. Cook celery onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons bacon drippings
6. Stir in flour sugar and pepper Add tomatoes and heat to boiling
7. Drain lentils discard bay leaf Add lentils and fried bacon pieces to tomato mixture
8. Cover and simmer 15 minutes
9. For best flavor prepare a day ahead and refrigerate
10. Reheat for serving