Greek Lentil Soup
["1 lb. lentils", "2 qt. cold water", "1 medium-sized onion, chopped (1/2 c.)", "2 cloves garlic, crushed", "2 tsp. salt", "1/2 tsp. pepper", "1/4 c. vegetable oil", "1 (1 lb. 12 oz.) can Italian plum tomatoes", "2 bay leaves"]
["Wash lentils; drain well.", "Combine with water, onion, garlic, salt, pepper and oil in a large kettle; bring to boiling.", "Add tomatoes and bay leaves.", "Lower heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until lentils are tender.", "Serve with lemon juice or wine vinegar if you wish."]
["lentils", "cold water", "onion", "garlic", "salt", "pepper", "vegetable oil", "Italian plum tomatoes", "bay leaves"]