Christine's Lentil Soup

Sautee
    3 small onions, finely diced
in
    1 stick butter
for 10 minutes.
Add
    1 can tomato paste
    5 bay leaves
    1 tbsp cumin
    2 tsp salt
    1.5 tsp pepper
    2 c lentils, rinsed
    7-8 c water
Bring to boil.  Boil about 20 minutes until the lentils are tender.