ham and lentil bean soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ham and lentil bean soup recipe

I’ve always been a fan of hearty, comforting soups that warm the soul and fill the belly. Ham and lentil bean soup is one of those recipes that never fails to hit the spot. The combination of tender lentils, rich ham, and aromatic vegetables is a match made in heaven.

It’s a dish that’s perfect for a chilly fall evening or a cozy winter night in. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good excuse to slow down and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness? My family and I have been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit.

The kids love it because it’s easy to eat with a spoon, and my husband appreciates the fact that it’s packed with protein and fiber. As for me, I just love how it makes me feel – all warm and fuzzy inside. There’s something about the way the flavors meld together that just feels like home.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Just throw all the ingredients in a pot and let it simmer away.

My kids even help with this recipe by stirring in some fresh herbs towards the end of cooking time – they love getting their hands dirty in the kitchen. Before we dive into the recipe itself, let me give you a bit of background on where this dish comes from. Ham and lentil bean soup has its roots in traditional European cuisine, where lentils were often used as a cheap source of protein during times of scarcity.

Over time, the recipe spread throughout the world, adapting to local tastes and ingredients along the way. Today, you can find variations on this recipe in many different cultures – but at its core, it remains a simple yet satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

Ham and Lentil Bean Soup

4.8 from 1846 votes

A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender lentils, savory ham, and a medley of vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly day.

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

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 cup dried green lentils
1 cup dried split peas
1 ham bone with meat
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, carrots, and celery.
3Sauté until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4Add garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
5Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6Add ham bone, lentils, split peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano to the pot.
7Stir well to combine.
8Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
9Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes.
10Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
11Check the soup for doneness.
12Lentils and split peas should be tender and the ham should be easily shredded from the bone.
13Remove the bay leaf and ham bone, shred the ham and return it to the pot.
14Season with salt and pepper to taste.
15If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
16Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: This soup freezes well, so feel free to make a large batch and save some for later. You can also add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.

Watch Video Of How Ham and Lentil Bean Soup Works

This ham and lentil bean soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for something comforting after a long day at work or want to impress your friends with an impressive side dish at your next dinner party.

It’s also incredibly versatile; serve it up hot with some crusty bread on the side for an easy weeknight dinner, or chill out with leftovers over several days as part of your favorite meal prep routine.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Lentil Bean Soup

Q: What type of ham should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either boneless or bone-in ham for this recipe – just make sure it’s cut into small pieces so it cooks evenly. If you’re using leftover ham from a holiday dinner or something similar, feel free to chop it up into bite-sized pieces as well.

Q: Can I substitute other types of beans for lentils?

A: While lentils are traditional in this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other types of beans if you prefer them. Just keep in mind that different beans may change the flavor profile slightly – black beans will add a slightly sweet taste, for example.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: While ham is an integral part of this recipe, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting out the meat altogether. Try using extra veggies like spinach or kale instead!

Q: Can I store leftover soup in the fridge or freezer?

A: Yes! Leftover soup can be stored safely in both your fridge or freezer – just remember to label it clearly so you know what you’re reheating later on.

Q: How do I thicken up my soup if it gets too thin?

A: To thicken your soup if it becomes too thin, try adding more lentils or simmering it down with some additional liquid until desired consistency is reached.

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