Ma'S Lentils And Rice - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. lentils, uncooked
1/2 c. chopped celery, raw
1/2 c. chopped carrot, raw
1/2 c. chopped onion, raw
1/2 c. chopped tomato, raw
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
1 Tbsp. oregano
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
4 c. cooked rice
olive oil

Preparation

Place uncooked lentils in clean pot (not aluminum), cover with water until water is 1 1/2 to 2 inches above level of beans.
Let soak for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
Drain lentils and return pot; fill again with water to same level as before.
Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours with cover.
Add celery, carrot, onion, tomato, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper 1/2 hour before lentils are done cooking.
Stir lentils occasionally during cooking time; add more water if necessary to keep beans covered.
When lentils are done cooking you may mix rice in all at once or individual servings.
If so desired, add a dash of olive oil to each individual serving and mix.