Description
A hearty ham and lentil soup that combines rich flavors with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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