Pinion Estate Lentil Soup

Description
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pinion Estate in Mesquite, Texas in 1994.
 * Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

Ingredients

 * ½ pound lentils
 * 1½ quarts water
 * 3 stalks celery and leaves chopped fine
 * 2 small carrots chopped
 * 1 white onion chopped
 * 1 clove garlic chopped
 * 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
 * 3 fresh ripe tomatoes diced
 * 1 bay leaf
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
 * 1 pound elbow pasta

Directions

 * 1) Combine all ingredients except pasta in a heavy saucepan and cook until mixture comes to a boil then let simmer for 45 minutes.
 * 2) Cook pasta according to package directions then add to lentil soup and cook 5 minutes longer.