Italian Lentil Soup

Italian Lentil Soup

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients
1 bag – 16 ounces of dried green lentils
10  – 12 cups of water (you can also use low sodium chicken broth in place of water)
2 large carrots, chopped
1 large celery stalk, chopped (I also use the leaves)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 medium onion
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1 (16 ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
crushed hot pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:
In a large stock pot bring salted water to a boil.  Add lentils and reduce heat to a simmer.  Cook for 30 minutes.  Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for additional 30 minutes stirring occasionally.  If the lentils are too thick then add cold water a little at a time until lentils loosen.  At this point you can add the crushed hot pepper flakes if using.