Hearty Lentil Stew

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:
1 pound of green lentils
3/4 pound carrot
1/2 pound of onion
1/2 pound of celery
1 big can of crushed tomatoes
Salt, black pepper, and fried basil flakes/whole fresh basil leaves

Directions:

1. Boil a pot of water to cook the lentils. The water should cover the lentils but not so much that it becomes too soupy.

2. When the lentils are almost done, add the chopped carrot.
3. When the carrot becomes soft, add chopped onion and celery (takes about 40 min to cook the lentils and vegetables.)
4. Add crushed tomatoes and mix well when the onion and celery are soft.
5. Add salt, pepper and basil (you can use a few whole basil leaves when you cook the beans).