Green Lentil Soup

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 small bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 1/4 cups dry green lentils, rinsed
• 10 cups chicken stock (approx.)
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper

1. In a big soup pot, saute bacon over medium heat until browned and crispy; about 5 minutes.
2. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels; set aside.
3. Add in garlic, celery, onion, carrot, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot; saute until vegetables are softened, about 6 minutes.
4. Add in lentils, stock, and tomatoes w/ juice; bring to a boil.
5. Decrease heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
6. Thin with a little more stock, if needed, and simmer for 5 minutes, or until hot.
7. Discard bay leaves; season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Ladle into heated bowls and garnish with reserved bacon.

bacon, garlic, stalks celery, onion, carrot, bay leaves, thyme, green lentils, chicken, tomatoes, salt, fresh ground black pepper

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/green-lentil-soup-413207 (may not work)