Hearty Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1 slice bacon, chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 7 cups (or more) canned low-salt chicken stock
• 2 cups dried lentils (about 12-1/2 oz.)
• 2 large sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
• 1 bay leaf