Spicy Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic, (minced)
• 2 large carrots, (chopped)
• 2 large celery stalks/sticks, (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 cups chicken broth ((2 32-ounce boxes of broth))
• 2 cups dried lentils, (rinsed and drained)
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 pound cooked and cubed ham, (about 3 cups - perfect use of leftovers!)