Moldovan Lentil Soup

Ingredients

 * 3 qts/3 l water
 * 1/2 lb/250 g lentils
 * 1 onion
 * 2 garlic cloves
 * 2 tablespoons oil
 * 1 bay leaf
 * 1 grated carrot
 * 1 teaspoon flour
 * 1/2 teaspoon dry thyme
 * salt

Directions

 * 1) Pick the lentils over, wash and pre-soak in tepid water the night before cooking.
 * 2) In the morning, throw away the water and set to boil with 3 qts/3 l cold water, finely chopped onion, bay leaf and the garlic cloves.
 * 3) When the lentils are almost done, add salt and grated carrot fried in oil and mixed with a half teaspoon of thyme.
 * 4) Dust the flour over the soup and mix it. Let boil for 5 more minutes. Serve warm.