lentil vegetable soup

After tasting this soup I was sure glad I had some lentils to use which prompted me to try this soup! It's excellent.

lentil vegetable soup (adapted from my friend Rebecca W.)
2 cups lentils, rinsed and drained
1 pound sausage, cooked and drained or 1/2 pound chopped ham
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 to 1 cup celery
1 cup carrots
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
8 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1 (16 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Place all ingredients in soup stock pot, except tomatoes and vinegar. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Add tomatoes and vinegar. Simmer for 30 minutes longer.