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

Place all ingredients, except tomato, in a large kettle and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 1-1 1/2 hours. Add tomato and continue simmering, cover for 5 minutes longer. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Can also be cooked in a crock pot all day or overnight. Be sure to add tomato 5-10 minutes prior to serving.