Scottish Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 8 ounces ham
• 1 large leek
• 1 medium onion
• 10 large carrots
• 1 medium rutabaga
• 1 1/2 cups red lentils
• 1 1/4 quarts water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chicken stock paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. 1

   cut up ham into bite size chunks

2. 2

   dice onion and leeks.

3. 3

   add oil to large soup pot and fry over medium heat until golden then add the diced ham and fry until it changes color.

4. 4

   grate rutabaga and carrots (i use my food processor) add to cooking mixture

5. 5

   add chicken stock paste (cubes or fresh stock can be used. if using fresh stock decrease water amount) salt, pepper and garlic powder.

6. 6

   cover mixture with half of the water, stir and let simmer for 30 minutes.

7. 7

   taste to see if you need to add more salt or pepper

8. 8

   add red lentils and rest of the water ( a bit more water if needed ) and simmer for another 30 mins until lentils are soft.

9. 9

   Can be made ahead and frozen

10. 10

    Serve with thick cut home made bread and you have a Scottish favorate.