Creole Lentil Soup

Directions

Douse the lentils in the boiling water, add the salt and let them stand, covered, for an hour.

Heat the oil in a pot and add to the vegetable broth powder.

Add the diced vegetables, brown sugar, and a bay leaf, and sauté for a few minutes before adding it all to the lentils.

Cook over a low heat for about 1½ hours.

Mix together the flour and the or tomato puree.

Add a little of the hot soup, stirring well, then return it all to the pot.

Grind in some black pepper, heat through, and serve.