Lynn's Recipes - Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 3 strips bacon, cut into ½" pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise and cut into ¼" half moons
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1-1/2 cups dried lentils, picked over, rinsed and drained
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth (3-1/2 cups)
• 2 cups water
• 1 Tablespoon red-wine vinegar
• 1-1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper