Tomato Lentil Soup Ingredients 15 oz Tomato sauce 11 oz Tomato paste 4 c Chicken stock 1 c Cooked lentils or split peas 1/2 c Onions, finely chopped 6 sl Bacon -- finely chopped 1/4 c Celery - chopped 1/2 ts Pepper, fresh ground Salt to taste 1 t Basil 1/2 ts Thyme 1/2 ts Oregano 1/2 ts Nutmeg 1/2 ts Sage 1 c Whipping cream 1/3 c Cheddar cheese - grated 3 tb Butter Melt butter in a large saucepan or small stock pot.  Sauté chopped onions, bacon and celery with pepper, basil, thyme, oregano, nutmeg and sage. When vegetables are softened and bacon cooked add tomato sauce, tomato paste and chicken stock, stir well to blend. Add lentils or split yellow peas. Lower heat and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. Just before serving adjust spices and add salt to taste. Gently fold in whipping cream and cheddar cheese.