lentil ham soup recipe
The Best lentil ham soup recipe
I have been making lentil ham soup for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to please my family. The dish is a staple in many Mediterranean countries, where lentils are a staple ingredient. I love the hearty, comforting flavor of this soup, and the way the lentils and ham blend together to create a rich, savory taste.
My kids love it too, and it’s one of their favorite meals when they come home from school. I think what makes this recipe so great is the way the flavors all come together – the sweetness of the carrots, the tanginess of the tomatoes, and the savory flavor of the lentils and ham. It’s a perfect meal for a cold winter night or for a special occasion like a family gathering.
Plus, it’s incredibly healthy, with all those fiber-rich lentils and veggies making it a nutritious option for us all. I’ve been making this soup for years now, and I’ve tweaked the recipe over time to make it even better. One of the key techniques I’ve learned is to use high-quality ingredients – fresh vegetables, good-quality ham, and wholesome spices.
It makes all the difference in the flavor and texture of the soup. I also like to add in some extra veggies like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking time to add some extra nutrients and color to the soup. Another thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make.
Simply sauté some onions and garlic, add in your chopped veggies, then cook everything in a big pot with some broth until it’s all tender. Then you can season it with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Lentil ham soup is also one of those recipes that gets better with time – if you make it ahead of time and let it sit overnight in the fridge before reheating it again in the morning.
The flavors all meld together even more after a day or two in the fridge. I’ve served this soup at countless family gatherings over the years – at holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, as well as at casual get-togethers on weekends or after-school events with friends. This recipe has been passed down through generations in many families around the world – from Italy to Greece to Turkey – each country adding their own unique twist on traditional ingredients.
Hearty Lentil Ham Soup
This comforting lentil ham soup is a perfect way to use leftover ham. It is a filling one-pot meal with tender lentils, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables.
🥘Ingredients
For the Soup
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Hearty Lentil Ham Soup Works
This lentil ham soup is always a good idea for any occasion because it is easy to make and feeds a crowd without a lot of fuss. I make it for family gatherings and potlucks and it never fails to get compliments.
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days and the flavor only gets better. To reheat just warm it on the stove with a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
I like to serve it with crusty bread and a simple green salad on the side. It is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them feeling full and happy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Lentil Ham Soup
Q1: What kind of lentils should I use?
A: You can use either green or brown lentils for this recipe – both will give you great results! If you want a slightly firmer texture in your finished soup, use green lentils; if you prefer a softer texture, go with brown.
Q2: How do I store leftover lentil ham soup?
A: Simply let your cooled soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in your fridge or freezer. When reheating leftovers from either method be sure they’re steaming hot throughout.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without using ham?
A: Yes – simply substitute cooked chicken or beef instead if desired! For vegetarians who want meat-free options try adding roasted eggplant mushrooms portobello mushrooms or extra carrots instead.
Q4: What are some good variations on traditional spices used here?
A: Add some ground cumin smoked paprika dried oregano fresh parsley chopped fresh cilantro chopped bay leaves sliced fresh chives minced onion powder dried thyme black pepper garlic powder salt dried basil crushed red pepper flakes chopped sun-dried tomatoes chopped canned jalapeños etc…as per individual taste preference.
Q5: Is there any nutritional information available about how much protein these types contain?
A: According to USDA data approximately one serving size (1 cup cooked) contains about 18 grams protein; however please note actual values may vary depending upon specific ingredient choices made during preparation.
