Lentil Soup

On a cold winter day, nothing tastes better than a bowl of hearty soup.  Here's a simple recipe that is both quick and tasty.

Lentil Soup

1 pint of dry lentils
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped red pepper
1/2 cup ham, chopped
salt - to taste
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Soak a pint of dry lentils for two hours; put them in a saucepan; add two quarts of cold water, onion, celery, salt, pepper and ham. Boil gently for three hours; add chicken (or vegetable) broth.  If needed, add a little more hot water, if the quantity has been reduced by boiling.  Make the soup as thick or as thin as you desire.  Taste for seasoning, adding salt/pepper as needed and serve with croutons.