Yield: 2 servings

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 cup chopped onion (frozen or fresh)

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1/4 pound deli smoked honey ham, cut into a thick slice and then 1-inch pieces

1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium canned diced tomatoes

1 1/2 cups water

3/4 cup dried lentils

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 2 minutes. Add garlic and ham. Sauté 3 minutes.

2. Add tomatoes and water. Bring to a rolling boil, then slowly add lentils so that the water continues to boil. Cover with a lid and boil gently for 20 minutes.

3. Add cumin and vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in basil.

Per serving: 447 calories; 5g fat; 1g saturated fat; 12mg cholesterol; 32g protein; 66g carbohydrate; 26g fiber; 551mg sodium.