Lentil Rice Soup

Place lentils in a saucepan and cover with water; soak for a few hours or overnight. Drain and add all ingredients except rice. Cook over low heat, covered, about 1 hour, or till lentils are soft. After 1 hour, add brown rice. Cook longer, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. With a wooden spoon, crush some of the cooked lentils to thicken soup. Remove bay leaf and cloves before serving.