lentil ham soup recipe

lentil ham soup recipe

The Best lentil ham soup recipe

I’ve been making this lentil ham soup recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings.

I first tried it when I was in college, and I was hooked from the first spoonful. The combination of tender lentils, rich ham, and aromatic spices is a winner in my book.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity – it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You can also customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

My family has even been known to request this soup for special occasions like holidays or game days. It’s that good!

I’ve served it to friends and family countless times, and everyone always raves about how delicious it is. The best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, with protein-rich lentils and lean ham making it a nutritious option for any meal. Plus, the flavors are so deep and rich that you’ll feel like you’re eating a hearty, homemade meal even on the busiest of days.

Lentil Ham Soup

Lentil Ham Soup

4.7 from 824 votes

A hearty and comforting lentil ham soup perfect for chilly days. This recipe combines tender lentils, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 cup green lentils, rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
8 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups chopped spinach

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add diced onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
5Add rinsed lentils, ham bone or diced ham, water, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
6Stir well to combine.
7Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
8Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
9Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
10Once lentils are tender, stir in chopped spinach.
11Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted.
12Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
13Remove the bay leaf and ham bone if used.
14Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
15Enjoy your lentil ham soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of the soup before serving. Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for extra brightness.

This lentil ham soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly day or something hearty to serve at a family gathering.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it to your taste by adding different vegetables or spices.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and reheat when you need it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lentil Ham Soup

Q: What type of lentils should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using green or brown lentils. They hold their shape well and have a slightly firmer texture than red lentils.

Q: Can I use canned lentils instead of cooking them from scratch?

While you can use canned lentils as a substitute, keep in mind that they’ll lack some of the texture and flavor that comes with cooking them from scratch.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the ham and onions before adding them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is not suitable for vegetarians as it contains ham. However, you can easily substitute the ham with diced portobello mushrooms or another vegetarian option.

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