Legendary Lentil Soup
A hearty and flavorful lentil soup featuring smoked ham, vegetables, and a touch of vinegar, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions, carrots, red bell pepper, and garlic in olive oil until vegetables are tender.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and cook diced ham or turkey until browned.
- Add stock, lentils, dried chilies, and dried savory or marjoram to the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Simmer the soup for about 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until light brown; whisk in 2 cups of stock to create a roux.
- Add the roux to the large pot with the soup, stirring well.
- Stir in red wine vinegar, freshly ground pepper, and salt to taste.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot with croutons and yogurt or sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra depth of flavor, feel free to add a bay leaf while simmering the soup. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the smoked ham or turkey with mushrooms or extra vegetables. Consider using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to maintain the dish's integrity. Dried chilies can be replaced with red pepper flakes for a milder heat, or omitted entirely if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or croutons for added texture. A dollop of yogurt or sour cream on top complements the flavors nicely. For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like the Mediterranean Lamb Broil, enhancing a cozy dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much. The flavors will meld beautifully upon reheating, making it even more delicious the next day.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Legendary Lentil Soup contains roughly 997 calories, with 42g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 676mg per serving (29% 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 canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. If you do, add them towards the end of the cooking process to heat through rather than cooking them for 30 minutes. This will help avoid overcooking and maintain their texture.
What can I use instead of olive oil?
If you don't have olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or canola oil. However, for a richer flavor, try using avocado oil or melted coconut oil, as they will still provide a nice base for sautéing the vegetables.
Is it possible to freeze the soup?
Absolutely! This lentil soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop for a quick meal.
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).