LENTIL-HAM SOUP

 

1 lb dry lentils

1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dried marjoram, crushed
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 lb cooked diced ham or a large meaty ham bone
7 cups water

Put the lentils in a slow cooker or crock pot. Add the carrots, onion, celery, and parsley. Stir in the salt, pepper, marjoram, and bay leaf. Place the ham or ham bone over the vegetables. Add 7 cups water. Place the lid on the cooker and cook on low setting for 9 to 11 hours.

If using a ham bone, remove from the soup. Remove any ham from the bone and return meat to the soup. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

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