SLOW COOKER LENTIL & HAM SOUP

~ allrecipes

1 c. dried lentils
1 c. chopped celery
1 c. chopped carrots
1 c. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 c. diced cooked ham
1/2 t. dried basil
1/2 t. dried oregano
1/4 t. dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/4 t. black pepper
32 oz. chicken broth
1 c. water
8 t. tomato sauce

In a 3 1/2 quart or larger slow cooker combine the lentils, celery, carrots, onion, garlic and ham. Season with basil, oregano, thyme, the bay leaf and pepper. Stir in the chicken broth, water and tomato sauce. Cover; cook on low for 11 hours. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Notes: I double this for our family, using one can of tomato sauce and one cup of water instead of doubling the amounts called for. It's perfect, neither too watery nor too thick. Our soup is ready to eat in 9-10 hours, so just keep an eye on yours. While the taste won't change, you don't want your lentils to overcook to the point of disintegrating.