Green Lentil Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 slices bacon, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 small bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 1/4 cups dry green lentils, rinsed
10 cups chicken stock (approx.)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
salt
fresh ground black pepper

Preparation

In a big soup pot, saute bacon over medium heat until browned and crispy; about 5 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels; set aside.
Add in garlic, celery, onion, carrot, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot; saute until vegetables are softened, about 6 minutes.
Add in lentils, stock, and tomatoes w/ juice; bring to a boil.
Decrease heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
Thin with a little more stock, if needed, and simmer for 5 minutes, or until hot.
Discard bay leaves; season to taste with salt and pepper.
Ladle into heated bowls and garnish with reserved bacon.