I have some dark lentils in my pantry that no one seems to like so I figured I’d use them up in a soup – I think it tastes quite good!
Tomato Lentil Soup
1 ham bone
10- 12 cups water
28 oz crushed canned tomatoes
2 cups dried lentils
1/4 cup  onion, diced
1 carrot, diced or shredded
2 celery stalks sliced
2 bay leaves
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon thyme

Place all the ingredients in a large soup pot.  Bring to a boil and simmer one to two hours.  Remove ham bone and adjust seasonings if necessary.
I measured the thyme generously so start with 1/2 teaspoon and after tasting soup you can add up to 1/4 teaspoon more.