Lentil Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 pkg. dried lentils (washed)
1/2 tsp. powdered garlic
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 c. diced ham
2 c. chopped celery
2 qt. water
2 c. sliced carrots (thin slices)
1 c. thinly sliced onion (optional)
1 meaty ham bone (optional)

Preparation

Bring water to a boil in a large soup pot.
Add onion and first six ingredients.
Stir well to blend.
When water boils again, turn down heat to simmer.
Simmer 2 hours or more.
Correct seasoning to taste.
Add water as necessary.
Stir often.