ham lentil soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ham lentil soup recipe

I have been making this ham lentil soup recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly day or a family gathering. My kids love it, and it’s one of the few recipes that they’ll actually eat without complaining.

I think it’s because the lentils are so tender and flavorful, and the ham adds just the right amount of smoky flavor. I’ve made it for potlucks, family dinners, and even just for a quick weeknight meal. It’s easy to make in large batches, and it freezes beautifully, so I can pull out a container from the freezer and have a delicious meal ready in no time.

I love that this recipe is a great way to get some protein and fiber into my family’s diet. The lentils are packed with nutrients, and the ham provides a good source of iron. Plus, it’s just so satisfying to eat something warm and nourishing on a cold day.

I’ve experimented with different types of lentils over the years, but I always come back to green or brown lentils. They hold their shape beautifully in this recipe, and they’re so easy to cook with. If you’re looking for a shortcut, you can use canned lentils or even instant lentils – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a main course, or use it as a side dish. It’s also great as a base for other soups or stews – just add your favorite vegetables or proteins and let it simmer away.

I’ve had friends ask me for this recipe countless times over the years, so I’m excited to finally share it with all of you.

Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup

4.8 from 1483 votes

This warming ham and lentil soup is a satisfying meal that combines smoky ham with earthy lentils and vegetables. It is perfect for a cold day and makes excellent leftovers.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups diced cooked ham
2 bay leaves
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for about 1 minute until shimmering.
2Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4Add the rinsed lentils, chicken broth, diced ham, and bay leaves, then increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
5Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
6Simmer the soup for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
7Remove the bay leaves and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
8Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 16g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 26g

📝Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot before serving. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.

Watch Video Of How Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup Works

This ham lentil soup is a recipe I come back to again and again because it is reliable, delicious, and easy to make. It works for a quiet weeknight dinner or a big family gathering where you need something warm and filling.

The leftovers taste even better the next day, so I always make extra on purpose. To store the soup, let it cool completely and keep it in a covered container in the fridge for up to five days.

Reheat it on the stove over medium low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

It is one of those dishes that never disappoints and always makes everyone happy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup

Q: What type of lentils should I use?

In this recipe, you can use either green or brown lentils. Green lentils hold their shape better and have a slightly sweeter flavor, while brown lentils are slightly more neutral-tasting but still delicious.

Q: Can I use canned ham instead of cooked ham?

Yes, you can definitely use canned ham if that’s what you have on hand! Just be aware that canned ham tends to be saltier than cooked ham, so you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add to the recipe.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure the soup is hot throughout before serving.

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

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the onion and garlic at home before adding them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free since we’re using only lentils and ham as our protein sources. However, be sure to check your broth ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

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