Instructions: Pick over lentils, removing any grit. Place in stockpot; add stock, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, nutmeg, hot pepper sauce, caraway and celery salt. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Add water as needed, up to 2 quarts, to retain soupy texture. Stir in carrots, celery and onion and cook 10 minutes more.

Meanwhile, in separate saucepan, combine bacon grease and flour. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until just browned, to make roux. Add roux to soup, little by little, until soup has consistency of gravy. Add parsley and ham, simmer 5 minutes more to heat through. Serve hot, garnished with croutons.

This recipe yields 12 servings.

Comments: Chicken stock can be substituted for ham stock, though the flavor of the soup will be a little different.

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