5 cups water or broth
1 cup lentils, rinsed and picked over
1 onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
½ tsp. curry powder
½ tsp. basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Place all of the ingredients except the salt and pepper in a large pot; bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until the lentils are soft.
Serves 4 to 6.