DIY Lentil and Ham Shank Slow Cooker Soup

This is the year of the soup for us. We're experimenting with many different flavored soups. They're all hearty, healthy and super flavorful. They're almost like stews. We've really been enjoying the different combinations of ingredients, spices, herbs, legumes and beans. It's been lots of fun creating them. Good eating too!

Here's the latest: 'Lentil and Ham' made with ham shanks, lentils, carrots and celery with lots of aromatic herbs! It is a  delicious and thick soup for a meal in itself. Great for cold winter days and nights.

SERVES:                   4 (dinners)
PREP TIME:            20 minutes
COOK TIME:             8 hours

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound lentils
4 medium sized carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, whole
1-1 1/2 pound smoked ham shank or ham hock
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup vegetable broth

PREPARATION:
1. Put lentils, shanks, broth and herbs in slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour.
2. Reduce heat to low, put in remaining ingredients and cook for 7 hours.

SERVING:
Place soup in heated bowl and serve. 

Bon appetit,
Tom and Anita