Recipes - Lentil Soup

Hi, well I promised to post some recipes. I do love to cook. I would say that cooking is one of my passions. I do enjoy a good meal, and my family loves my cooking. I love it when Becca comes home from school, and says "oh what's that smell? What are we having for dinner?" I was like that with my mom when I was a little girl. Mom cooked a nice dinner every night, and it was delicious! So, I have been cooking a nice meal for my family almost every night for the past 20 years of marriage. Tonight we're having Lentil Soup....ok so you think lentil soup? Yes, lentil soup!!! It's delicious, nutritious, and very hearty. I make it like a stew. My Dad always LOVED my lentil soup, and I would make it for him a lot. I would make brown rice, and put that in the bottom of the bowl first and then fill the bowl with the soup. Give it a try and enjoy!

Lentil Soup
1 bag green lentils
1 large onion diced
2 starks celery diced
1 large carrot diced
1 whole (Hillshire Farm) link of kielbasi cut in small pieces
garlic minced - about 1 clove
salt and pepper to taste (we like it very well seasoned)
1 bay leaf
3 tsp. beef bouillon
1/2 small can tomato paste
About 5 cups of water

Rinse the lentils you don't have to soak them overnight. In a large pot saute the onions, celery, onions and garlic until soft, add salt and pepper. Add the kielbasi and then the lentils. Saute for about 3 more minutes. Add the water, beef bouillon, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Stir cook over low heat for about 5 hours or so...or after sauteing the veggies add everything to a crock pot and cook on high for 5 hours or so.. Serve over cooked brown or white rice - Enjoy!