1 pkg. Lentils (1 lb.)
2 strips bacon
2 stalks celery (diced)
salt and pepper to taste
4 qt. water
2 carrots (pared and diced)
1 onion (diced)

In a large pot cook bacon until brown. Add water and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, empty lentils into a strainer and rinse under running water. When water boils add lentils and return to a boil. Add salt, pepper and vegetables, return to a boil, stir and reduce heat to simmer. Cook until lentils and vegetables are tender, about one hour.

Note: If soup is too thick add a bit more water. If too thin, add a little pasta or cooked rice.

Variations: Lentil soup is also good with a little spinach or escarole added to it. Just add when you add the other vegetables. For a vegetarian soup, omit the bacon. Another variation is to use salt pork in place of the bacon.