If you’re searching for a cozy dish to warm you up, look no further than this delicious Ham and Lentil Soup. It’s easy to whip up, especially if you’ve got some leftover ham from dinner. The smell of this soup simmering on the stove will make your kitchen feel like home.
This recipe solves busy weeknights with fast prep, stretches budget with lentils and ham, hides veggies from picky eaters, and yields leftovers.
Sometimes, I struggle with what to do with leftover ham. I mean, how many ham sandwiches can one person eat, right? This recipe not only helps me use up that ham but also creates something hearty and comforting. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies too!
This recipe works like a charm because it’s super flexible. You can cook it on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker, depending on how much time you have. A little prep, about 20 minutes, and then it simmers for two hours, filling your home with savory aromas.
If you want to add a little variety to your meals, try making Lemon Orzo Salad with Veggies and Chicken for something light on the side!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor : This soup’s savory, hearty, and smoky notes make it a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days or cozy nights.
- Convenient Cooking : Whether you use a stovetop or a pressure cooker, it fits seamlessly into busy schedules, letting you enjoy a homemade meal without fuss.
- Customizable Ingredients : You can switch up the lentils and veggies based on what you have on hand or your mood, making it a flexible option for any palate.
- Great for Storage : Leftovers save well in the fridge for several days or can be frozen for later, making it a smart choice for meal prep and planning.
Delicious Ham and Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 140 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty ham and lentil soup that combines rich flavors with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp concentrated chicken bouillon or chicken broth
- 2 cups yellow split lentils
- 1 ham bone plus leftover meat
- 10 cups water
- 1 cup peeled and chopped carrot
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley plus more to garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Ham & Vegetables: Start by tossing diced ham, chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrot into a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until the vegetables are soft but take care to avoid browning them, as they can turn sweet. You should be able to smell the savory aroma of the ham cooking.
- Add Lentils & Broth: Mix in the rinsed yellow split lentils, along with 10 cups of water. Add 3 tbsp of concentrated chicken bouillon or chicken broth. Stir the mixture, allowing it to bubble and meld together for a hearty base. Keep an eye on the lentils; ensure they are fully covered to avoid sticking or burning.
- Simmer Away: Let the soup simmer gently for about two hours. The colors should blend beautifully, and the aroma will fill your kitchen. Maintain a calm simmer by keeping the heat on low.
- Season & Adjust: Taste the soup after two hours and season with additional kosher salt and black pepper as desired. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.
- Final Touch & Serve: Once the lentils are tender, remove the pot from heat. Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns. For brightness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon to your bowl, but be cautious about overdoing it. Garnish with additional minced parsley before serving.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Expert Tips: For a richer flavor, sauté the vegetables with a pinch of salt before adding the broth.
- If the lentils are not soft enough, simmer the soup an additional 30 minutes.
- If your soup turns out too thick after cooking, add more water or broth to adjust the consistency.
- Using a smoked ham bone can enhance the flavor significantly.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened too much.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal or pair with a fresh green salad to contrast the hearty flavors. Top with additional minced parsley for a fresh touch.
- Recipe Variations: Garlic can be added for extra flavor during the sautéing step. You can also incorporate greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary as desired.
- Ingredient Notes: When selecting your ham, a bone-in ham or a smoked turkey leg can be great substitutes. For lentils, green split peas or split black lentils can be swapped in. Look for fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture in your soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Recipe Tips
- If your soup turns out too thick, a simple addition of more water or broth can achieve the consistency you desire.
- When lentils aren’t as soft as you’d like, allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 30 minutes can help tenderize them.
- For stronger ham flavor, using a ham bone that has a bit more meat and allowing it to simmer thoroughly can make a difference.
- If you’re looking to boost the flavor profile, sautéing your vegetables with salt before adding any broth can add richness to the dish.
- When you want that smoky touch, choosing a smoked ham bone can significantly enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
Serving Suggestions
Pair ham and lentil soup with crusty bread for a hearty meal. A fresh green salad complements it well for a lighter option.
This soup works well in other recipes like lentil stew or as a base for grain bowls. Guests may enjoy a side dish of roasted vegetables alongside this comforting soup.
Top the soup with additional parsley for a hint of color. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and depth to the overall flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use turkey or smoked sausage instead of ham for a delicious twist.
- Add 2 cloves minced garlic during the sautéing process to deepen the flavor.
- Either fresh spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end for added nutrition.
- Scale the recipe up by doubling the ingredients for a hearty group serving of 20 cups.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your ham and lentil soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This maintains the flavors and texture.
Freezing: Pack soup in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It stays good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat soup on the stove or in the microwave until hot throughout. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Lemony chicken and corn orzo salad
- Pesto chicken avocado orzo salad
- Lemon herb chicken avocado orzo salad
- Grilled chicken orzo salad
If you enjoyed this Ham and Lentil Soup or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
