Lentil-Tomato Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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)

Preparation

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.