Luv's Lentil Soup

1 cup lentils
2 1/2 quarts of water(distilled water is best)
2 medium onions chopped
2 stalks of celery cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1 carrot cut into 1/2 inch slices
6 sprigs of parsley chopped
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 table spoon of tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon of oregano
1 bay leaf
salt to taste

Soak lentils for 12 hours.
Saute vegetables in small amount of water for 10 minutes.
Add soaked lentils, tomato paste and remaining water and cook on medium heat for 45 minutes or until tender.
Remove bay leaf before serving.

Lentils are better if soaked over night! We usually soak them for 12 hours. They are more nutritious and usually have little sprouts growing on them. We use red lentils. Lentils are the oldest cultivated legume in the world. They are very nutritious and also delicious.