Ham and Lentil Soup

In honor of being sick all week, I made soup. Not just any kind of soup, but the kind you put in a crock pot and forget about it for a few hours then BAM! you have soup. Enjoy...

Ham and Lentil Soup

 Ingredients

·         1 cup dried lentils

·         1 cup chopped celery

·         1 cup chopped carrots

·         1 cup chopped onion

·         2 cloves garlic, minced

·         2  cups diced cooked ham

·         1/2 teaspoon dried basil

·         1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

·         1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

·         1 bay leaf

·         1/4 teaspoon black pepper

·         32 ounces chicken broth

·         2 cup water 
      1 6oz can of tomato paste (optional) 

Directions

In a 3 1/2 quart or larger slow cooker combine the lentils, celery, carrots, onion, garlic and ham. Season with basil, thyme, oregano, the bay leaf and pepper. Stir in the chicken broth and water. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours. Discard the bay leaf before serving.