Ingredients

• 2 slices center-cut bacon or 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, dice
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 3 -5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 lbs collard greens, stems removed and rough chopped
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lb crushed tomatoes
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, more if you like it hot
• 1/2-1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup dried brown lentils or 1 cup green lentil, picked over and rinsed
• balsamic vinegar or mirin
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 1 celery rib