Spicy Lentil Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 large onions, chopped (about 4 c.)
1/4 c. olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 ribs celery, chopped (about 2 1/2 c.)
3 carrots, chopped coarsely (about 1 1/4 c.)
1 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crumbled
5 c. water
5 c. chicken broth
2 bay leaves
2 tsp. dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp. ketchup
3 c. coarsely chopped canned plum tomatoes
2 c. lentils, picked over and rinsed
1/2 c. dry sherry

Preparation

In a kettle, cook the onions in the oil over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened.
Add garlic, celery and carrots and cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes until they are softened.