INGREDIENTS
8
strips of bacon*
1 cup
diced onion**
1 cup
thinly sliced carrots
1 cup
chopped celery
4
garlic cloves, grated/minced
2 tsp
dried oregano (or Italian seasonings)
1/2 tsp
dried thyme
64 oz
vegetable stock
30 oz
canned diced tomatoes with juices***
1 lb
dried lentils, rinsed and drained
1
bay leaf
1/2 tsp
salt (more to taste)
1/2 tsp
freshly ground black pepper (more to taste)
optional garnish: grated cheese, fresh herbs