This is "Italian Chicken Soup", served on cold days or when someone is sick. This is also eaten on New Year's day for good luck. 1 onion, finely sliced 1 carrot, grated (optional) 1 lb. Italian sausage (fennel sweet or hot are excellent) 1 lg. can Italian plum tomatoes

Add 8 cups of water to lentils, onion, and carrot. Cook over a low heat for 30 minutes. Brown sausage; discard all grease and slice finely. Add to lentil mixture and cook lentil for another hour. Stir occasionally. Add plum tomatoes to lentils and cook for another 30 minutes. The soup is ready to serve when the lentils are soft. Serve with Italian bread and a salad. Wonderful reheated. Leftover ham can be used in place of the sausage. No need to brown.