Lentil Soup - Linsen Suppe - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb lentils (any kind will work)
6 slices bacon
1 large carrot, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1 piece celeriac or 1 cup loosely packed celery leaves
2 quarts beef stock
salt
1 large onion, coarsely chopped (optional)
2 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine (optional)
smoked sausage or smoked ham (optional)
vinegar (optional)

Preparation

Pick over lentils and wash.
Dice bacon, and render in large pot to accommodate all ingredients.
Sautee onions, carrots, and celeriac or celery leaves about 5 minutes.
Add stock on lentils.
Bring to a full boil.
Reduce heat and cook for 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
Can also be cooked in a Crockpot about 4-5 hours on medium, 6-8 hours on low.
Add sausage or smoked ham cut into bite size pieces.
Optional: Melt lard or margarine or butter and caramelize the coarsely chopped onion, individually add to lentils at the table.
Vinegar can be added to personal taste at the table also.
Sourdough bread with caraway seeds is a great accompaniment.