Tasty Vegetarian Lentil Soup

by Matthew D
(Cleveland, OH US)

* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 carrots, diced
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1 teaspoon basil
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 2 cups (1 bag) dry lentils
* 9 cups water
* 3 tablespoons vinegar
* 1 Tablespoon hot sauce (add more or less to preference)
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* salt and black pepper to taste


Directions

1. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, oregano, and basil; then add the soy sauce and hot sauce. Cook for about 3 mins.
2. Stir in lentils, and add water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Stir in vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper, and more vinegar if desired.


This is an extremely cheap soup to make. An entire pot costs about $4. It's very tasty, vegetarian, and makes several servings all for very little cost.