3 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Onion
2 cloves Garlic
1 Carrots
2 1/4 cups French Lentils
1 teaspoon Thyme
3 Bay Leaf
1 tablespoon Salt
2 sticks Celery
1- Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add oil.
2- When hot, add chopped vegetables and sauté until softened, 5 to 10 minutes.
3- Add 6 cups water, lentils, thyme, bay leaves and salt.
4- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a fast simmer.
5- Simmer lentils until they are tender and have absorbed most of the water, 20 to 25 minutes.
6- If necessary, drain any excess water after lentils have cooked.
7- Serve immediately, or allow them to cool and reheat later.
8- For a fuller taste, use some chicken stock and reduce the water by the same amount.