Makeit Simple! - Beef Lentil Soup

(I LOVE lentils!!!)

1 lb. hamburger

1/2 c. chopped onion

1 clove garlic, chopped or minced

1 4-oz. can mushroom stems & pieces

1 16-oz can stewed tomatoes

1/2 c. sliced celery

3/4 c. chopped carrot

1 c. dried lentils

3 c. water

1/4 c. red wine (optional)

1 bay leaf

1 tsp parsley (2 T. fresh)

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp beef bouillon

1/4 tsp. pepper

Cook hamburger, onion and garlic; drain.  Transfer to a pot, stir in mushrooms (with liquid) and remaining ingredients.  (If I have leaves on my celery, I also add them and remove before serving.)  Heat to boiling; reduce heat.  Cover and simmer until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.  40 minutes.  (May take longer to get carrots tender.)