1 c. dried lentils
2 c. water
4 c. fat-skimmed meat or poultry broth
4 c. chopped vegetables: (onions, celery, carrots, mushrooms, peppers, green beans)
1 to 2 tbsp. lemon juice, vinegar or wine
Salt (or garlic salt), pepper to taste
Seasonings to taste: (bay leaf, dried sage, thyme, oregano, basil, chili or curry powder, ground cumin, paprika)
1 c. cooked, diced lean meat or poultry (optional)

Combine ingredients, except cooked meat or poultry, in a soup pot or pressure cooker. Cover and cook 50 to 60 minutes (or 15 to 20 minutes, under pressure, according to manufacturer's directions). Season to taste and stir in diced meat, if desired; heat through. Makes 4 meal-size servings, or 8 side-dish servings.