Gusto's Soups

Confetti Lentil Soup

Serves 6
1/4 cup olive oil
1 med onion, small dice
1 cup diced Gusto Canadian bacon
1 carrot, small dice
1 stalk celery, small dice
1 red pepper, small dice
1 green pepper, small dice
1 yellow zucchini, small dice
(or about 2 cups of any desired mix of vegetables)
1 cup of dried lentils, rinsed and sorted
1 quart chicken or beef stock
1 quart tomato juice or V-8 juice
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

1. Heat large saucepan, add oil
2. Saute onion until slightly brown over medium heat
3. Add Gusto Canadian bacon and all of the vegetables
4. Cook for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally
5. Add a pinch of salt
6. Add the lentils and stir to toast slightly
7. Add the tomato juice and the stock
8. Bring to a boil, give it a stir and reduce to a simmer
9. Cook uncovered until the lentils are tender, about 1 hour
Stirring occasionally
10. Add parsley and thyme
11. Adjust seasoning with salt and fresh ground pepper