Lentil Soup with Serrano Ham and Arugula

 1½ cups lentils
8 cups very hot tap water
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, very finely chopped
3 medium carrots, very thinly sliced
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
5 garlic cloves, 4 thinly sliced and 1 minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Crushed red pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces thinly sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto, cut into ½-inch-wide strips
1 bunch arugula (1/4 pound), thick stems discarded

In a large saucepan, cover the lentils with the water and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, in a medium soup pot, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil until shimmering. Add the onions, carrots, celery and sliced garlic. Cover and cook the vegetables over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, 5 to 6 minutes.

Carefully add the lentils and the boiling water. Add the tomato paste and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper to the soup and season with salt and black pepper. Cook the soup over moderate heat until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the ham and a generous pinch of crushed red pepper to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Add the arugula and cook just until wilted, 30 seconds longer. Ladle the soup into large bowls, garnish with the ham and arugula, and serve.

Makes 6 servings.