5cupswaterstock, or broth (I used homemade chicken broth)
6stalks celerychopped
3-4medium carrotssliced
1large onionchopped small
2clovesgarlicminced
2Tbspbutter
2bouillon cubes or 2 Tbsp of soy sauce or substituteI added only a bit of a natural bouillon mix that I use, and 1 Tbsp of Bragg's
1/4cupchopped fresh parsley or 3 tsp dried
1tspeach of sea saltand basil
1/2tsp.each of dilloregano, and thyme
1/8tspcayenne
Several dashes sea kelp
Optional: 1 medium or large red bell pepperchopped small (I used 1/2 a pepper). I also added 1/2 cup of frozen corn. I also added a half cup of cooked chicken I had on hand.
Instructions
Bring the dry lentils, liquid and vegetables (except for red pepper) to a boil on high heat, then simmer for 1 hour on low heat or until the lentils are tender.
Add the remaining ingredients and simmer another 15-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If desired, blend 1-2 cups of the soup and return it to the pot for a richer, fuller flavor (I didn't do this, but it would have been good).