Lentil Soup

"The philosopher Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper.  He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king.  Said Aristippus, 'if you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.' 

Said Diogenes, 'learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.' "

from, The Song of the Bird by Anthony de Mello

Favorite Lentil Soup

This is my mother in law's recipe, adapted slightly, which I make REALLY often.

If you use powdered chicken flavoring then it's salty enough.  If you use real broth (recommended!) then add salt to taste.

Simmer together for one hour:

4-5 cups chicken broth

small forkful of chopped garlic ( 1-2 cloves)

2 carrots, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 potatoes, chopped

1 cup lentils