Ham Lentil Soup is a delightful dish that combines hearty lentils and savory ham in a comforting broth. This recipe features a blend of onions, celery, and carrots, enriched with spices and tomatoes, creating a warm and fulfilling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly night or simply enjoy a nutritious bowl of soup, Ham Lentil Soup is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Ham Lentil Soup
This ham lentil stew is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for dinner. Here are several reasons to love this dish:
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Rich in protein and fiber, offering excellent health benefits.
- Versatile and customizable; add your favorite vegetables.
- Comforting and hearty, it’s perfect for cold weather.
- Excellent for meal prep; it reheats well for leftovers.
- Can be made in a slow cooker for added convenience.
- Enjoy the savory flavors that come from using smoked ham.
- It’s a gluten-free dish, suitable for various diets.
Ingredients for Ham Lentil Soup
Gather these items:
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1⅓ cups dried green or brown lentils
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2½ cups diced smoked cooked ham or ham steak with bone
- chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Ham Lentil Soup Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the onions, celery, and carrots until the onions and celery are soft.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and marjoram. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.
- Step 3: Add the bay leaves, chicken broth, water, dried lentils, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the ham steak and simmer for 15-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Remove the ham steak. Dice the ham while removing the bone and fat. Add the diced ham back to the pot.
- Step 5: Remove the bay leaves and garnish with fresh herbs.
Pro Tips for the Best Ham Lentil Soup
Keep these in mind:
- Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- For a richer flavor, let the soup sit for a bit before serving.
- Experiment with different spices, such as thyme or oregano.
Best Ways to Serve Ham Lentil Soup
This comforting soup can be served in various ways:
- Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Top with chopped fresh parsley for added freshness.
- Serve alongside a simple green salad for balance.
How to Store and Reheat Ham Lentil Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. This hearty dish can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Meal prep has never been easier!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Lentil Soup
What’s the secret to perfect Ham Lentil Soup?
The secret lies in using quality ingredients, including smoked ham and fresh vegetables. The right blend of spices enhances the flavors, creating a savory ham lentil soup that’s irresistible.
Can I make Ham Lentil Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ham Lentil Soup?
Ensure you don’t overcook the lentils. They should be tender but not mushy. Also, adjust seasoning at the end to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Variations of Ham Lentil Soup You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Use different types of lentils, such as red or black lentils.
- Make a vegetarian version by replacing ham with smoked tempeh.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Ham Lentil Soup as a nourishing meal that brings comfort and satisfaction!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder or Heartwarming Tuscan White Bean Recipe. You might also enjoy Irresistible Thai Red Curry Kabobs for a flavorful twist!
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Ham Lentil Soup: 5 Reasons to Love This Comfort Food
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ham and Lentil Soup features onions, celery, carrots, tomatoes, dried lentils, and smoked ham in a savory and smoky broth.
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1⅓ cups dried green or brown lentils
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2½ cups diced smoked cooked ham or ham steak with bone
- chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the onions, celery, and carrots until the onions and celery are soft.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and marjoram. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.
- Add the bay leaves, chicken broth, water, dried lentils, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the ham steak and simmer for 15-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Remove the ham steak. Dice the ham while removing the bone and fat. Add the diced ham back to the pot.
- Remove the bay leaves and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 359
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg