Hearty Lentil Soup

This is a wonderful soup that is hearty enough to eat as a meal or just a meal starter. It's a great vegetarian dish as well. Even my very picky 3yr old likes this soup!

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3 -4  carrots, sliced
• 3  stalks celery, sliced
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  tablespoons  minced garlic
• 1  cup bacon (optional, I use imitation bacon) (optional) or 1  cup ham (optional, I use imitation bacon) (optional)
• 1  quart chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 -6  cups water
• 1 1⁄2 cups lentils
• 1⁄2 lb farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)

Directions

1. Heat large pan over med/low heat. Pour in olive oil, garlic & bacon/ham. Cook long enough to heat up garlic and bacon/ham. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, 3-4c of the water, lentils, carrots & celery. Bring to a boil & simmer for about 30 minute Add farfalle and more water as needed. Cook until farfalle is tender.
2. Ladle into bowls and serve. Top with cheese if desired.