1-Hour Smoky Ham And Lentil Soup

• 1 lb dry lentils, rinsed
• 6 -8 ounces smoked ham, diced
• 10 cups water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ham soup base or 3 ham bouillon cubes
• 3/4 cup celery, diced
• 3/4 cup onion, diced
• 3/4 cup carrot, diced
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon oregano flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Tabasco sauce, a few drops (optional)
• liquid smoke, a few drops (optional)

1. In a stock pot, combine lentils, ham, water and base/bouillon and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat; simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
3. Add remaining ingredients; simmer until veggies are tender, about 20 minutes.
4. If you wish to puree: remove 3 cups of lentils, broth and veggies (keep diced ham in soup pot); puree, return to soup and stir.
5. For the crockpot: place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 10 hours; follow step #4 prior to serving.

lentils, ham, water, ham soup base, celery, onion, carrot, cider vinegar, worcestershire sauce, oregano flakes, salt, ground black pepper, tabasco sauce, liquid smoke

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/1-hour-smoky-ham-and-lentil-soup-217180 (may not work)