Rich Lentil and Ham Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 3 celery ribs
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 lb lean ham
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 3 cups lentils
• 1 tablespoon basil
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 12 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 12 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 ham hock

1. Mince celery, carrot, onion and garlic.
2. Heat up olive oil to medium high heat in a large cooking pot or dutch oven.
3. Sautee vegetables for 5-7 minutes stirring constantly careful not to burn.
4. Add stock,water, ham hock, bay leaves and lentils bring to a boil and then simmer for at leat 1 hour.
5. Add can of tomatoes, diced ham, spices, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste and cook for another 20 minutes.
6. Remove ham hock and discard.
7. Serve soup and enjoy!

olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, lean ham, chicken broth, tomatoes, water, lentils, basil, parsley, bay leaves, salt, thyme, red pepper, black pepper, vinegar, ham hock

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/rich-lentil-and-ham-soup-279736 (may not work)