Countryside Lentil Soup

(Courtesy of Mr Food)

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 c. water
5 c. chicken broth
1 pkg. (12 oz.) dried lentils, washed and drained
3 carrots, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions:
In a soup pot over medium heat, heat oil; sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. 

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 50 minutes, or until lentils are tender.  Discard bay leaf before serving.

Note~  For a heartier soup, add about 1 c. smoked ham or leftover cooked beef.

The link to the original recipe is http://www.mrfood.com/Soup-Recipes/Countryside-Lentil-Soup