Lazy Lentil Soup

• 2 quarts Depression Ham Stock, meat from the bones reserved
• 1 cup cold water

In a large pot, combine the ham stock, cold water, lentils, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Slowly bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Remove the soup from the heat and taste. Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs and taste again. Don’t overdo the salt because once you’ve added it, you can’t remove it.<