Lentil Soup with Ham

Submitted by: Jessica P.	Country: Canada
Category: Home/Soups & Creams
Quantity: 8 to 10 servings	Preparation time: 0:15 hr. Cooking time: 1:30 hr.

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups	dry lentils	600 mL
9 cups	water	2 L
1/2 cup	chopped onion	125 mL
1/2 cup	thinly sliced carrot	125 mL
1/2 cup	chopped celery	125 mL
1 tsp	salt	5 mL
1/2 tsp	oregano	2 mL
1/8 tsp	cayenne	0.5 mL
1	garlic clove, minced	1
1/4 cup	red wine vinegar	60 mL
6 oz	tomato paste	175 mL
1-1/2 cups	cubed, cooked ham	350 mL
1	red bell pepper, chopped (medium)	1

Directions

Wash and sort lentils. In Dutch oven, combine lentils, water, onion, carrot, celery, salt, oregano, cayenne and garlic. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 hour or until lentils are soft. Stir in wine vinegar, tomato paste, ham and red pepper. Simmer covered an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.