1 c. dried lentils
1/4 lb. smoked ham or sausage
1 sm. onion, minced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 clove garlic
1 cube chicken or beef bouillon
6 c. water

Rinse lentils. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender (about 2 hours). Salt and pepper to taste. For a soup with an Italian flair, simmer with 1 cup canned tomatoes and add Parmesan cheese.