Ham and lentil soup is a dish that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket fresh from the dryer. Picture the smoky undertones of ham mingling with the earthy richness of lentils, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. hearty stuffed pepper soup The aroma wafts through the air, instantly conjuring memories of cold winter days and hearty family meals where everyone gathers around the table, spoons at the ready, laughter echoing. stuffed flank steak recipe delicious stuffed pepper soup.

This delightful soup isn’t just for those chilly nights; it’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re trying to impress guests or simply wanting to warm your soul after a long day, ham and lentil soup is here to save the day. So grab your apron and prepare for an amazing flavor experience that you won’t want to miss!

I remember the first time I made this recipe; my friends couldn’t get enough of it! They said it was like a warm hug in a bowl.

this recipe

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green Lentils: These are my favorite because they hold their shape well and add great texture to the soup.

• Smoked Ham Hock: Choose one that’s meaty and flavorful; it adds depth to your broth.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness; opt for ones that are firm and vibrant in color.

• Onion: A strong onion is essential; yellow onions work best for their balanced sweetness.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance flavor; go for whole bulbs instead of pre-minced varieties.

• Celery: Crisp celery adds crunch; select stalks that are firm with bright green leaves.

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while allowing all flavors to shine.

• Dried Thyme: A must-have herb for aromatic warmth; fresh thyme can be substituted if available.

• Bay Leaves: They add subtle complexity; remember to remove them before serving!

• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper enhances flavor without overpowering the dish; use as desired.

• Salt: Important for seasoning but use sparingly until tasting at the end.

• Lemon Juice: A splash adds brightness at the end; freshly squeezed will elevate your soup immensely.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

**Prep Your Veggies**: Start by finely chopping your onions, carrots, celery, and garlic—this creates a beautiful aroma as they sauté together.

**Sauté Aromatics**: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and sauté your onions until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic, stirring briefly until it becomes aromatic.

**Add The Ham Hock**: Toss in your smoked ham hock next. Let it mingle with those sautéed vegetables, ensuring all those irresistible flavors meld together beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this creamy vegetable soup recipe.

**Stir In Lentils & Broth**: Pour in your washed green lentils along with vegetable broth. Ensure everything’s submerged so those lovely lentils can soak up all that goodness.

**Season It Up**: Add bay leaves, dried thyme, and black pepper at this point. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer away for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.

**Finish With Lemon Juice**: Once cooked, taste for seasoning adjustments—add salt if needed. Just before serving, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice for that delightful zing.

Enjoy this comforting ham and lentil soup hot with crusty bread or on its own! It’s perfect for meal prep or cozy gatherings among friends and family. cozy bolognese sauce.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery until tender. Then add lentils and broth, simmering until soft. Finally, stir in the ham for flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap lentils for beans or add herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also toss in leftover vegetables for extra nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover ham and lentil soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop to maintain its flavor.

Memories of sharing this ham and lentil soup with my family always bring smiles, especially when they ask for seconds!

FAQ

What type of lentils should I use for ham and lentil soup?

Green or brown lentils work best as they hold their shape during cooking.

Can I make ham and lentil soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead.

How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored, it can last up to five days in the fridge without losing flavor.

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Ham and Lentil Soup

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• Author: Hellen
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Ham and lentil soup is a comforting bowl of warmth, perfect for chilly days. This hearty dish combines smoky ham with tender lentils and fresh vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy night in, this recipe delivers rich flavors and delightful aromas that will make your kitchen feel like home. Ready to dive into a bowl of goodness? Let’s get cooking!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 meaty smoked ham hock (about 1 pound)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Salt to taste (use sparingly)
• Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Prep your veggies by finely chopping the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent (about 4-5 minutes). Stir in the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the smoked ham hock to the pot and mix with the sautéed vegetables.
4. Pour in the washed green lentils and vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
5. Season with bay leaves, dried thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Taste for seasoning adjustments; add salt if needed. Just before serving, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 14g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 40mg