1-Hour Smoky Ham And Lentil Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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)

Preparation

In a stock pot, combine lentils, ham, water and base/bouillon and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients; simmer until veggies are tender, about 20 minutes.
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.
For the crockpot: place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 10 hours; follow step #4 prior to serving.