Recipe: <!-- -->Lentil Soup with Smoky Ham<!-- -->

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried green lentils
• 1/2 cup dried French lentils
• 1 can (14-ounce) diced tomatoes, with their liquid
• 1 cup finely chopped ham
• 1 ham bone (optional)
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme, plus 1 tablespoon chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 quarts low-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Balsamic vinegar (for garnish)