Description
Ham and Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that warms you from the inside out. With tender lentils and smoky ham simmered together in a savory broth, this soup is perfect for chilly days or family gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a delightful meal that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
- 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and chop the vegetables: dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent.
- Add carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in rinsed lentils and the ham hock; cover with vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Remove the ham hock; shred meat back into the soup, discarding bones and fat. Season with bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg