LENTIL SOUP WITH HAM (Yankee Magazine)

By sandiB2010

This soup needs a bit of simmering time, which makes it a
perfect choice for Sunday lunch or dinner. For a vegetarian
option, eliminate the ham bone and the turmeric and add 1
to 2 teaspoons smoked paprika.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry brown lentils
• 21/2 quarts cold water
• 1 smoked ham bone (about 1 pound)
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 small onions, peeled and chopped
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 11/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Garnish: 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

Step 1

? Combine lentils and water in a 5- to 6-quart heavy bottomed
pot. Add ham bone, partially cover the
pot, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils
are just barely tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Add
more liquid as necessary.

? As lentils finish cooking, melt the butter in a large
skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and
celery, and cook until onions are translucent, about
6 minutes. Add cumin, chili powder, turmeric, salt,
and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 2 more minutes.

? Add vegetable mixture to lentils in pot. Simmer,
partially covered, until lentils are fully cooked,
about 30 minutes longer. Remove ham bone and set
aside to cool. Cut meat from ham bone, chop, and
add to soup. Check seasoning and add additional
salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings