Global Cookery

Lentil Soup With Ham

Ingrediente

1 T olive oil
1 ea medium onion,chopped
2 ea celery ribs, sliced
3 ea medium carrots, sliced
2 ea cloves crushed garlic
2 t thyme
1 ea bay leaf
1/2 c dry red wine
16 oz whole tomatoes *
1 c lentils
6 c canned chicken broth
1/2 lb baked ham
1 x salt and pepper

* Italian plum, with the juice.


Instructions

In a medium nonreactive casserole, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Cover and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.Add the wine and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up with the back of a spoon. Add the lentils and broth, and return to a boil.

Reduce the heat to moderately low, cover partially and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, about 35 minutes.

Cut the ham into 1/2-inch dice and add to the lentils. Cook for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper; serve hot.