Step #1 This recipe would be vegan if the fish sauce & bouillon cubes are eliminated & vegetable bouillon & extra soy used in their place.
Step #2 I am sure it would taste even better with the addition of a good stewing chicken, but it was created from the materials on hand one weekend.
Step #3 The lentils are long cooked until they disintegrate to form a meaty looking & tasting stock, an effect that is enhanced by the tomato.
Step #4 Bring the water to a boil in a soup pot & add lentils; simmer covered 1/2 hr or more.
Step #5 Add the lima beans & cook another 1/2 hr.
Step #6 Add the rice & cook another 20 min.
Step #7 Add the sliced green portions of a large or 2 medium well washed leek[s] [They are sandy & there is always sand trapped in the outer leaves] & let simmer 10 min.
Step #8 Add the sliced white portion of the leek & the remaining ingredients.