Hearty Lentil Soup(Yields 4 Servings)  
["1/2 c. lentils", "2 c. water or stock", "1 onion, chopped", "3 stalks celery, chopped", "3 tomatoes, chopped", "1 clove garlic, minced", "1/2 c. parsley, snipped", "2 Tbsp. tomato paste", "1 tsp. dried thyme", "1 Tbsp. olive oil", "salt to taste", "3 carrots, chopped"]
["Bring lentils to a boil.", "Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.", "Add chopped onions, celery and carrots; stir while simmering 10 minutes.", "Add chopped tomatoes and minced garlic; simmer 3 minutes.", "Add parsley, tomato paste, thyme and salt, if desired.", "Simmer 3 minutes.", "Stir in olive oil and serve."]
["lentils", "water", "onion", "stalks celery", "tomatoes", "clove garlic", "parsley", "tomato paste", "thyme", "olive oil", "salt", "carrots"]