Crockpot Lentil Soup, Phase One
 

Crockpot Lentil Soup (phase one)

8 cups water
2 cups low-sodium beef stock (or vegetable stock if you prefer)
1 pound dried lentils, rinsed and picked over
6 strips veggie bacon, cut into small pieces (optional for phase 1)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 tsp. kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
1/8 tsp. liquid smoke

Heat water, beef stock and lentils in large pot on stovetop to boiling; let boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat and empty into crockpot; add all other ingredients and stir to combine. Let cook for 8 hours on low. This makes a lot but it freezes well.

Serve with hot sauce and dollop with plain lowfat yogurt.

There have been some different opinions re: veggie bacon. The Morningstar brand does have wheat gluten in it, so if you're going strictly by the book, leave it out. As long as you use the liquid smoke, I don't think it makes a bit of difference as far as flavor goes.

I made this last night..I had never had lentils before and I love it! I didn't use the bacon or even the yougurt and hot sauce and I still think its great! Thanks for the recipie!!