Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Soup

3 cups water

3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

3 medium carrots, chopped

1 medium onion,m chopped

1 cup dried lentils, rinsed

2 celery ribs, sliced

1 small bell pepper, color of your choice

1/4 cup uncooked brown rice

1 tsp dried basil or 1 Tbsp of fresh chopped basil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup tomato paste

 

1.  In a large sauceapan, combine all ingredients except tomato paste.  Bring to a boil.

2.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until lentils and rice are tender.

3.  Add the tomato paste and stir until blended.  Cook for 10-15 minutes.  Discard bay leaf.