Lentil-Tomato Soup
["1 lb. dried lentils (about 2 1/4 c.)", "8 c. water", "1 large onion, chopped", "6 carrots, chopped", "3 stalks celery, chopped", "1 large can tomatoes (1 lb. 12 oz. can)", "1 1/2 tsp. salt", "1/2 tsp. pepper", "2 bay leaves (optional)", "1 tsp. sweet basil (optional)", "1 tsp. thyme (optional)"]
["Put all ingredients (except the tomatoes) into a large pot and simmer 3 hours.", "Add more water if needed.", "Stir in the tomatoes at the end.", "Serves 11 cups."]
["dried lentils", "water", "onion", "carrots", "stalks celery", "tomatoes", "salt", "pepper", "bay leaves", "sweet basil", "thyme"]