Are you craving a soul-warming dish that combines protein-packed lentils with savory ham in a single, magical bowl? Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Lentil Soup with Ham is not just a recipe; it's a cozy embrace on a chilly day, packed with nutrition, flavor, and pure comfort that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly rinsing the lentils, dicing the ham into small cubes, and finely chopping the onion, carrots, and celery stalks.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become soft and the onions turn translucent.
- Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to release its flavors and slightly brown.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils to the pot. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the lentils for tenderness. They should be soft but not mushy. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and reduce potential digestive discomfort.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - letting vegetables soften slowly develops deeper flavors.
- For extra richness, consider using ham bone or smoked ham for more intense taste.
- If soup becomes too thick while cooking, add a little more broth or water to achieve desired consistency.
- Fresh herbs like parsley can elevate the final presentation and add a bright, fresh note.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg