lentil soup with ham recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
lentil soup with ham recipe
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The Best lentil soup with ham recipe

I’ve been making this lentil soup with ham recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. The rich, comforting flavor is perfect for a chilly evening, and my kids love it when I serve it with a side of crusty bread or over rice. I’ve tried various versions of this recipe, but this one is my go-to because it’s so easy to make and always turns out delicious.

The combination of tender lentils and savory ham is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that it’s incredibly nutritious – packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. My family loves it when I make it for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings, but we also enjoy it on a regular Tuesday night. I’ve even been known to freeze individual portions for quick lunches later.

It’s a versatile recipe that never fails to impress… One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize – I like to add in some diced veggies like carrots or celery for added flavor and texture. And if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll top it off with some crumbled bacon or chopped fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance.

But honestly, the real magic happens when you get the right balance of spices – a pinch of cumin, a dash of paprika, and a sprinkle of thyme all work together to create this incredible depth of flavor that just makes you want to swoon… Of course, no discussion of lentil soup would be complete without talking about the benefits – not just for our taste buds, but for our health too! Lentils are an amazing source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans alike.

And let’s not forget about the antioxidants – those little guys are like superheroes that help keep our cells safe from damage… As much as I adore this recipe, what really sets it apart is how well it freezes – whether you’re prepping individual portions or stashing the whole batch away in the freezer for later use, this soup comes out tasting just as good as when you first made it.

Lentil Soup with Ham Recipe

Lentil Soup with Ham Recipe

4.9 from 1872 votes

This hearty lentil soup with ham is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cold weather. It 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
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup diced ham
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
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 diced onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4The onions should become translucent.
5Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
6The garlic should be fragrant.
7Add lentils, chicken broth, water, diced ham, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano to the pot.
8Stir well to combine.
9Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
10Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
11Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
12Once the lentils are tender, remove the bay leaf.
13Season with salt and pepper to taste.
14Stir well to combine all the flavors.
15The soup should have a thick consistency and the lentils should be soft and easily mashed.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Lentil Soup with Ham Recipe Works

One thing I always love about serving this soup at family gatherings is how easy it is to scale up – just multiply the ingredients by however many guests you’re hosting! And don’t even get me started on reheating leftovers – whether you’re warming up individual portions in the microwave or simmering away on the stovetop with some fresh herbs added in…

whatever your method may be, know that this soup will always taste fresh and delicious. Plus, since we’re freezing portions individually anyway (as mentioned earlier), there’s no risk of those leftovers getting soggy from sitting out too long…

It’s honestly become one of our favorite go-to recipes around here!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lentil Soup with Ham

1. What type of lentils should I use?

In this recipe, we recommend using green or brown lentils – they hold their shape well during cooking and have a slightly firmer texture that works beautifully with the ham.

2. Can I use other types of protein besides ham?

Yes! You can easily substitute in diced chicken or pork if you prefer – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. How long does this soup take to make?

This soup comes together quickly – prep time is just about 20 minutes, and then you can simmer away while you attend to other tasks around the house.

4. Can I store leftovers in the fridge?

Absolutely! In fact, lentil soup only gets better with time – so go ahead and stash those leftovers away in the fridge for up to 5 days.

5. What’s the deal with all these spices? Do I really need all those different seasonings?

Nope! Feel free to customize to your heart’s content – but trust us when we say that cumin, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper work together beautifully…

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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