Vegetarian Savory Lentil Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

12 ounces package lentils
4 cups water
1 garlic clove, minced
1 onion, chopped
3 -4 scallions, chopped
1 -2 stalk celery, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
fresh ground pepper

Preparation

Wash lentils and place in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
Saute the garlic, onion, scallions and celery in 1/3 cup water until soft. Add to the cooked lentils along with the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste and mustard. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Continue to simmer for 1 hour more, covered for a souplike consistency; uncovered for a gravylike consistency.