GOLDEN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• In a heavy pot, heat 1 tbsp. olive oil until hot. Add salt pork and saute until it begins to brown. Add carrots, celery and onion and stir to combine. Add another tbsp. olive oil, stir and continue to saute until carrots and celery begin to soften and onion begins to brown. Add the last tbsp. of olive oil and stir in lentils, cumin and bay leaf. Cook another minute until very fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add chopped garlic, stir and reduce heat to a simmer. Begin adding the water a cup at a time to thin the soup. It will be very thick at this point. Once it reaches the desired consistency, continue to heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If too thick, thin with additional water. If you want to make a vegetarian version of this, substitute all of the liquid with water and omit the salt pork. Add a drop or two of liquid smoke for flavor and season with salt.