Meatless Monday

Lentil Soup

3 cups lentils (or one bag's worth)
1/2 cup brown rice
8 cups water
2 tsp salt
8 cloves garlic, crushed
2 cups chopped onion (1 big one)
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1 can diced tomatoes
fresh ground pepper to taste

Rinse the lentils well and combine with water and rice in large pot. Bring to a boil. Meanwhile, chop veggies and press garlic and add them to the mix. Add the spices and salt, too. Simmer for ~40 minutes or until rice and lentils are tender. Add more water by the cupful if the soup gets too thick. Add the tomatoes, adjust for seasonings. Yum.
Makes about 10 servings