LENTIL & CANADIAN BACON SOUP

4 cups water

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 tsp thyme

2 cans vegetable broth

2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces

 1 cup chopped potato

1 medium onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, cut into small pieces

1 16-oz pkg dried lentils, sorted and rinsed

6-oz Canadian bacon, chopped

Mix all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting 8 to 9 hours or until the lentils are tender. Stir well before serving. Garnish with sour cream, if desired

the file photo