Lentil Soup with Ham

I have been making this for years. I look forward to this after Christmas and Easter using the ham bone! The children eat it fairly well-- 2 better than their older brother!!! It is from the back of the Albertson's brand lentil bag. Simple and delicious.

1/2 # lentils
4 cups water
1 ham hock or meaty ham bone
1 Bay leaf
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped carrot
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/2 t salt
1 small garlic clove, minced

Wash, sort and drain lentils. Combine all ingredients in large pot with tight fitting lid. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered until tender. Approx 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Before serving, remove ham hock or bone. Cut ham off bone, dice. Add to soup and serve. 8-10 servings.

(I always do more veggies than called for. This is awesome with cornbread.)