There’s something utterly delightful about a steaming bowl of Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup. Picture this: the rich aroma wafts through your kitchen, enveloping you like a warm hug, as tender ham mingles with earthy lentils. cozy tomato soup pairing It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel all cozy inside, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to snuggle up on the couch with a good book or binge-watch your favorite series. fluffy dinner rolls recipe.
Now, let me take you back to a particularly memorable winter evening. I had just come home from work, completely frozen to the bone. I opened my fridge and found a hunk of leftover ham from last week’s holiday feast and a lonely bag of lentils sitting in the pantry. white bean lemon soup That’s when inspiration struck! The Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup was born, and it quickly became a family favorite. Trust me; there’s no better way to warm up than with this soul-soothing soup. For more inspiration, check out this find additional soup recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The rich flavors marry beautifully, creating an irresistible taste sensation
- Its vibrant colors bring life to any table, making it visually appealing
- Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with crusty bread for extra satisfaction
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up this delicious soup! The flavors are deeply comforting while being robust enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. And let’s not forget how versatile it is; whether you’re having a casual family dinner or hosting friends, this soup fits right in.
I vividly recall watching my kids’ faces light up when they first tasted this dish—pure joy! They couldn’t get enough, begging for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cooked Ham: Leftovers work great here—just chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Lentils: Use green or brown lentils; they hold their shape well and add hearty texture.
- Carrots: Freshly diced carrots add sweetness and color; choose firm ones for the best flavor.
- Celery: Celery provides aromatic depth; chop it finely so its essence permeates the soup.
- Onion: A sweet onion is preferable; sauté until it’s translucent for maximum flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add zest; crush them just before use for optimal pungency.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is best so you can control the saltiness more effectively. chicken cordon bleu recipe. For more inspiration, check out this explore more recipes recipe.
- Dried Thyme: This herb complements the other ingredients beautifully—a little goes a long way!
- Bay Leaves: Add one or two bay leaves during cooking for added flavor; don’t forget to remove them later!
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; these basic seasonings elevate all other flavors in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by finely chopping your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves while your ham awaits its moment of glory on your cutting board.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until they turn translucent. Toss in chopped carrots and celery until softened—about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic along with dried thyme and bay leaves; cook until fragrant—around one minute will do!
Toss in Ham and Lentils: Add your diced ham along with rinsed lentils into the pot. Pour in chicken broth while stirring everything together.
Braise Away: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then lower heat to simmer for about 30-35 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully as lentils become tender.
Taste Test Time: Remove bay leaves before seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste preferences—this final touch makes all difference!
If you’re looking for comfort food that warms both body and spirit during those cold months ahead, look no further than this Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup! Enjoy every spoonful as it brings everyone around the table together with happiness.
So grab your apron, put on some comfy socks, and let’s dive into making this delightful soup that everyone will be asking for at every gathering!
You Must Know
- The Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul
- It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious meal
- Infuse flavors by simmering longer for a richer taste
- Perfect for chilly days or meal prep!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and carrots for depth of flavor, then add ham and lentils. Pour in broth and spices, letting it simmer until everything melds beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out lentils for beans or add some greens like spinach. Spice it up with your favorite herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to make it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use smoky ham hocks for an extra flavor boost; they add depth to your soup
- Always rinse lentils before cooking; this helps remove impurities and enhances texture
- For a creamier soup, blend a portion of it before serving—your guests will love the surprise!
Cooking this Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, where laughter mingled with delicious aromas. Every spoonful was comfort wrapped in love.
FAQ
What type of ham is best for the Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup?
Use smoked ham hocks or diced leftover ham for the best flavor.
Can I freeze Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just store it in freezer-safe containers.
How long does Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup last in the fridge?
It can last up to five days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. This soul-soothing dish combines tender ham with earthy lentils, vibrant veggies, and aromatic herbs, creating a delightful bowl of warmth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it’s simple to make and packed with flavor, ensuring every spoonful brings a smile.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and mincing garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent, then add carrots and celery; cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaves; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add diced ham and rinsed lentils to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Remove bay leaves; season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Soups
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg