Ham & Lentil Soup

• 2 tbsp. bacon fat
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 6 c. chicken broth
• 1 lb. green lentils
• 2 c. cubed smoked ham
• 1 ham bone with some meat
• 1/2 tsp. savory
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper
• Adjust quantities of the above ingredients to satisfy your personal tastes.

1. Cover lentils with water and soak for 3-4 hours. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat bacon fat in 6 quart stock pot until it is hot.
3. Add vegetables, savory and oregano and saute for 8 minutes or until soft.
4. Add broth, lentils and ham bone.
5. Simmer for 25 minutes or until lentils are cooked the way you like them.
6. Remove ham bone and cut off any meat in bite size pieces and return to pot.
7. Add 2 cups cubed ham.
8. Salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot.

bacon fat, onion, celery stalks, carrot, chicken broth, green lentils, ham, ham bone, oregano, kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, adjust quantities

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/ham-lentil-soup-50079904 (may not work)