Instructions: Rinse lentils; drain. Place in a crockery cooker. Add carrots, onion, ham or bacon, garlic, and pepper. If you are substituting dried herbs for fresh, add them now. Pour broth and water over all.

Cover and cook as directed for desired heat setting: LOW HEAT: for 6+1/2 to 7 hours; HIGH: for 3+1/4 to 3+1/2 hours.

Adding the pasta (If using low heat, reset to high.) Stir in tortellini.

Cover and cook 30 more minutes on high. Stir in fresh spinach, and fresh herbs if using. Serve at once.

protein. Sodium can be high from ham or bacon and cheese: from 972mg to

NOTES : Lentils, Canadian bacon, and cheese-filled tortellini make this soup a hearty meal in itself. A small salad and fruit are all you will need to round it out. Accompany with bread sticks or a corn muffin (optional). Crockpot should hold from 3+1/2 to 5 quarts.

Serves 6.

Time: 20 minutes prep and less than 4 or 8 hours cooking.
*Recipe from NEW FLAVORS FROM YOUR CROCKERY COOKER,

Might substitute a smoked chili for the ham. A little chipotle maybe...

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