Curried Lentil Soup With Ham

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Remove most of the fat from the ham and cut into ½-inch cubes.

2. Step 2

   Trim and scrape the carrots and cut them into ¼-inch cubes.

3. Step 3

   Pick over the lentils, wash them and drain into a colander.

4. Step 4

   Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a kettle or saucepan. Add the ham, carrots, onions, garlic and curry powder. Cook briefly over medium heat, stirring, until the onions are wilted.

5. Step 5

   Add the lentils, 4 cups of the chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme and salt. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 24 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Step 6

   Remove one cup of the soup, with more lentils than liquid, and set aside. Discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.

7. Step 7

   With a potato masher or wire whisk stir the soup briskly to mash the lentils, and return the soup to a boil. Add the remaining cup of chicken broth, the reserved lentils, the vinegar and the remaining butter. Check for seasoning and serve, sprinkled with the coriander.