SLOW COOKER LENTIL SOUP

1 pound smoked ham shanks
8 Cups chicken broth
1 (16 ounce) package dried lentils (2 1/4 cups), sorted and rinsed
4 medium stalks celery, chopped (2 cups)
4 medium carrots, chopped (2 cups)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups shredded fresh spinach

Mix all ingredients except spinach in 5- to 6- quart slow cooker.

Cover and cook on Low heat setting 8 to 9 hours or until lentils are tender.

Remove ham from cooker; place on cutting board. Pull meat from bones, using forks; discard bones and skin.

Stir ham and spinach into soup.* Stir well before serving.

*For a touch of color, stir chopped fresh tomato into the soup with the cooked ham and spinach.

Makes 8 servings (1 1/2 cups each)
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe Booklet: Soup, Stew, and Chili, Betty Crocker Recipe Magazine, February 2004, #205