Lentil Soup

1 bag of dried lentils(1 pound)
large onion
2-3 cloves of garlic
2-3 stalks of celery
2-3 carrots
2-3 bay leaves
8 cups liquid, either water or chicken broth or a combination
salt and pepper
2-3 tbsp olive oil

Chop all veggies into a small dice. Heat oil in a large pot and saute all veggies. Go through lentils, tossing out yellow ones or pieces of stones etc. Rinse lentils and add to pot along with liquid, salt, pepper, parsley and bay leaves. Cook at a low simmer, partially covered until lentils are tender (about 40 minutes). You may add some tomato sauce or paste during cooking, if desired. Serve with some tiny cooked pasta or cooked rice.