Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 4 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
• Boiling water
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced red or yellow bell pepper
• 1/4 cup minced red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground fennel
• 1 rounded teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste