A ham and lentil soup, here, with garlic toast, can make a nourshing meal.

This thick and hearty soup made with ham, lentils and tomatoes takes only 30 minutes to make and is a great way to brighten up a winter evening. It's a whole meal in one bowl.

I find that my family, no matter what the weather, loves a bowl of soup. It warms them up and gets them chatting around the table. Soups and casseroles are great family fare, but usually take too long to make for a midweek meal. This quick meal fits the bill.

This is the type of meal that you can improvise when you haven't been to the supermarket. Chicken broth, canned tomatoes and canned beans are staples in my pantry.

Also, I normally have onions, celery and carrots in the refrigerator.

If you don't have basil, leave it out and add any fresh greens you have in the refrigerator.

1 teaspoon olive oil1 cup frozen chopped onion3 garlic cloves, crushed¼ pound honey smoked deli ham, cut into 1 thick slice and then 1-inch pieces2 cups low-sodium canned diced tomatoes1 ½ cups water3/4 cup dried lentils2 teaspoons ground cumin2 tablespoons balsamic vinegarSalt and freshly ground pepper½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small piecesHeat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.Add onion and sauté two minutes.Add garlic and ham. Sauté three minutes.Add the tomatoes and water.Bring to a rolling boil and slowly add the lentils so that the water continues to boil.Cover with a lid and boil gently for 20 minutes.Add the cumin and vinegar.Add salt and pepper to taste.Stir in basil.