Ham and Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried lentils
– 1 cup diced ham
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the lentils to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Estimated cooking time: 45 minutes.