| LENTIL SOUP You will need a 4-6 quart heavy stainless steel pot or kettle 1 (16 oz.) package of dried lentils 1 ham bone or ham hock 1 large onion, chopped into ¼ inch pieces 1 small green pepper, chopped into ¼ inch pieces 2 cups canned tomatoes, stewed or chopped 1 cup celery, sliced into thin ¼ inch pieces 2-3 carrots, sliced or diced into ¼ inch pieces Water enough to exceed lentils by about 3 inches. Combine all ingredients together in the pot and bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the ham falls off the bone. (About 60-90 minutes.) Remove meat and pick out any undesirable fat, bone or gristle. Break meat into bite-sized chunks and return to the pot. Soup is ready to serve as soon as the lentils are tender. Should be ready in 1-2 hours depending on the age and freshness of the lentils. |