Ingredients:

• Lentils – 1 cup
• Ham – 120 g
• Onion, chopped – 1 medium
• Carrot – 1 chopped
• Celery – 1/2 cup, chopped
• Bay Leaf – 1
• Garlic – 1 finely chopped
• Tomato juice – 3/4 cup
• Water – 4 cups
• Wine Vinegar – 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste.

Method:

1. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, add the oil.
2. When the oil is hot, add the onions, celery, and carrots.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Saute for 4 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and bay leaves.
6. Saute for 1 minute.
7. Add the ham.
8. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 5 minutes.
9. Now, add the lentils and cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
10. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley.
11. Season with salt and pepper.
12. Pour the soup into individual serving bowls and serve hot.

Recipe courtesy of Rajam Partheeban