Ham & Lentil Soup

I came up with this to use some left over ham bones from the freezer.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2  small ham bones, with meat
• 6  cups water
• 1 1⁄2 cups dried lentils
• 2  cups  sliced carrots
• 1  cup  chopped celery
• 1  cup  chopped onion
• 1  teaspoon  Old Bay Seasoning
• 1  teaspoon honey
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2  bay leaves
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1  dash  hot pepper sauce (optional)

Directions

1. in a small fry pan sprayed with cooking spray saute carrots,celery& onion till onion is golden.
2. In a stock pot combine ham bones, water,lentils old bay honey,pepper bay leaves& garlic powder if desired.
3. Add Sauted veggies.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat& simmer about 1 hour or until lentils are tender.
6. Take out bones& remove meat.
7. Return meat to pot.
8. Remove bay leaves.
9. Cool.
10. Puree in batches.
11. Return to pot& warm.
12. Serve with a dash of hot sauce if desired.