Best Lentil Soup

This is a recipe I pretty much made up from scratch. I have been making it since I was 10. I make it in the morning and snack on it all day.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 20

Ingredients

• 1  lb lentils
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne (can use more if you like it spicer)
• 1  teaspoon chili powder (ca use more)
•  pepper
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2  medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1  large onion, diced small
• 1⁄4 lb bacon, cut in pieces (2 strips)
• 2  celery ribs (optional)
• 2  carrots (optional)

Directions

1. Rinse lentils in cold water until clear.
2. In large 6 quart saucepan, fill 3/4 with water.
3. Add lentils, tomato sauce, potatoes, onion, bacon, and seasonings.
4. Fill almost to top with water. Bring to boil.
5. Reduce heat to simmer,
6. Simmer 1-1/2 hours--the longer on low simmer the better the soup.
7. Stir occasionally.
8. Adjust seasonings to taste.