Lentil Stew with Ham

We cooked up a ham on Sunday, and had plenty of leftovers.  I didn't have any split peas on hand, so I found a lentil stew recipe.  The original recipe was for a crockpot, but I didn't have that much time.  It was delicious!

Lentil Stew

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 32 ounces chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 8 teaspoons tomato sauce

In a 4 quart or larger pot combine the lentils, celery, carrots, onion, garlic and ham. Season with basil, thyme, oregano, the bay leaf and pepper. Stir in the chicken broth, water and tomato sauce. Boil for 15-20 minutes.  Then simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Discard the bay leaf before serving.