Theresa’s Lentil Soup

1 cup lentils
1 quart water
2 teaspoons salt
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 stalk celery
1 carrot diced
½ bay leaf
1/16 teaspoon powdered thyme
1 cup canned tomatoes
2 tablespoons butter
¼ pound longaniza, sliced

Substitutes for longaniza --- Italian linquica, chorizo, Italian hot sausages, etc.  

Rinse lentils, add water, salt, onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf and thyme.  Heat to boiling, cover and cook slowly about 45 minutes.   Add tomatoes, butter and sliced longaniza and heat.  Serves 6 to 8.