Best Lentil Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb lentils
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (can use more if you like it spicer)
1 teaspoon chili powder (ca use more)
pepper
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large onion, diced small
1/4 lb bacon, cut in pieces (2 strips)
2 celery ribs (optional)
2 carrots (optional)

Preparation

Rinse lentils in cold water until clear.
In large 6 quart saucepan, fill 3/4 with water.
Add lentils, tomato sauce, potatoes, onion, bacon, and seasonings.
Fill almost to top with water. Bring to boil.
Reduce heat to simmer,
Simmer 1-1/2 hours--the longer on low simmer the better the soup.
Stir occasionally.
Adjust seasonings to taste.