Lentils And Rice Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 pkg. lentils (dried)
3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 to 1 1/2 lb. lamb for stew
1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
3 stalks carrots, sliced
1 c. rice
4 qt. cold water
1 tsp. salt (or more to taste)
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. crushed rosemary

Preparation

Soak lentils overnight (after rinsing and cleaning).
Add to 4 quarts cold water.
Add lamb, celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper and herbs.
Bring to boil.
Simmer for 1 hour. Remove lamb from pot and cut off bones.
Return to pot.
Add carrots and rice.
Simmer another 15 to 20 minutes or when rice is tender.
Serve with hot Italian or French bread.
Makes enough to freeze for another meal! A great winter warmer-upper.