PAPA BEAR'S OWN LENTIL SOUP

1 quart chicken stock
1 quart water
1 pound dried lentils, washed and picked over*
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 medium onions, diced
2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and quartered (I diced mine)
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil (I would probably only use 1/4 cup next time)
salt to taste (I didn't)

In a large pot, bring the stock and water to a boil. Add all the other ingredients at once. Bring the soup to a boil and allow it to continue boiling for 15 minutes. Then simmer it over low heat for 1/2 hour. Done!

*One time I didn't have a whole pound of lentils, used about 3/4 lb, then threw in a couple Tablespoons of dried split peas.

Note at bottom of recipe says: "It really is the best lentil soup you EVER tasted-and it gets better the second and third nights."

Source: Beat This! Cookbook by Ann Hodgman