Alsatian Lentil Soup
A hearty Alsatian lentil soup packed with smoky ham, tender vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. green or brown lentils ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. diced smoked ham ⓘ
- 2/3 cup finely diced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 1 cup diced peeled turnip ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 3 1/2 quarts chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Put lentils in a bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 2 hours, then drain.
- Melt butter in a 6-quart soup kettle.
- Add diced smoked ham and cook over low heat for 3 minutes.
- Add diced carrots, diced onion, diced turnip, and diced celery. Stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in lentils, chopped garlic, and chicken stock.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
- Season with salt and white pepper.
- If the soup is thin, remove 2 cups of vegetables, puree them in a blender, and stir back into the soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or parsnips along with the other vegetables. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the smoked ham with smoked paprika for flavor. Be sure to soak the lentils for at least 2 hours to ensure they cook evenly. This recipe also allows for the addition of herbs like thyme or bay leaves for extra depth; browse more Healthy Veggie Soup for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light dish like Chicken Stuffed With Crab for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Alsatian Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it appears too thick. The flavors will deepen after a day, making it even more delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alsatian Lentil Soup contains roughly 2249 calories, with 61g protein, 293g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (204% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (145% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (124% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of lentils for this soup?
Yes, while green or brown lentils are recommended for their texture, you can use other varieties like French green lentils or black lentils. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup flavors improve when made a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. Just remember to add a little water or stock if it thickens too much during storage.
What can I serve with the Alsatian Lentil Soup?
This soup is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a slice of warm, crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a protein dish like Pork Marengo or a light fish dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).