Hearty Lentil Soup – Rise Above Gluten

Ingredients

• 3 slices of bacon, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped fine
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped fine
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped medium
• 2 golden potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 15oz can of diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp dry thyme
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 1 tsp salt
• black pepper to taste
• 4 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar